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MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, has approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, enabling MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school.

A Partnership Built on Collaboration

This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner with for Pre-College programs.

“Jennifer Novotney (Director of Curriculum and Instruction at MMI) and I met with approximately a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only for the college’s experience with Pre-College programs but the ability to work together and move quickly,” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School.

Benefits for Students and Families

Currently, 40 eligible MMI students are set to benefit from the initiative, with the program already in place and being collaboratively administered by MMI and Lackawanna College staff.

“I am excited to be working with MMI, their staff, faculty, and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating from high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. We are proud to be a part of this process for the families of MMI,” said Phillip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College.

MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes held at MMI Preparatory School.

“Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available over junior and senior year that students can earn college credit for,” said Dr. Chrin. “I’ve introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have a number of students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering earning an associate degree before they would earn their high school diploma.”

Goals of the Pre-College Program

The partnership aims to:

• Enable high school students to save time and money by earning college credits early.

• Provide exposure to college-level coursework to ease the transition to higher education.

• Offer pathways to career-focused programs.

• Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major.

Moving Forward

This partnership is a promising step toward expanding educational opportunities for MMI students, aligning their high school experience with future academic and career goals. The collaboration reflects both institutions’ commitment to student success and innovation in education.

“This is something we’ve been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that give us the opportunity to offer our students both concurrent and dual enrollment classes,” said Marci Hosier Assistant Head of School at MMI. “We know this is something that is extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College in getting this up and off the ground.”

About MMI Preparatory School

For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).  MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically, and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108.

About Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Program

Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on-campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore various academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.