Joplin, MSSU set to expand partnership to assist students

Joplin Schools and Missouri Southern State University are expanding their partnership in an effort to help more local students make the jump from high school to college.

The “Future-Ready Joplin” agreement will be formally signed next week by Joplin Schools Superintendent Kerry Sachetta and MSSU President Dean Van Galen.

Under the agreement, MSSU will provide a dedicated admissions counselor for Joplin students and hold application, enrollment and financial aid events at Joplin High School.

Students will also have more opportunities to visit campus, explore degree and career programs and take part in university events.

Research suggests that type of hands-on advising can make a measurable difference.

The Missouri College Advising Corps says students who work with college advisers are 30% more likely to apply to at least one college, 27% more likely to submit a FAFSA and apply for a scholarship, and 20% more likely to be accepted to a postsecondary school.

A separate randomized study of high school college advisers also found students receiving dedicated advising were more likely to enroll in college.

Financial aid help may be another important piece of the partnership. Federal education data has found college-bound students who discussed financial aid with a counselor were much more likely to complete the FAFSA than students who did not.

The agreement will also build on existing dual-credit programs between Joplin High School and MSSU, which allow students to begin earning college credit before they graduate.

The signing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 24 at Joplin High School.