Partners: University of Mississippi School of Nursing, City of Quitman Mayor’s Office, Jones County Junior College Center, William Carey University, Petal School District, Simply Irresistible, Skidmore Restaurant, Sweet D’s Snowballs, Majures Jewelry and Gifts, Scott Evans and Associates, Subway, Shine 4 Less, Pizza Hut, Los Totopos LLC, Bubba’s Catfish House, Fantasy Cottage Flowers & Gifts, Railroad Bakery, M & M Flowers & Gifts, Hardees, The Body Shop LLC, McAlister’s Deli, IHOP, Books-A-Million

Students impacted: 523

Partnership duration: 2 years

Quitman High School and Jones Community Junior College created a partnership allowing students to earn certifications in welding and entry-level petroleum engineering as part of a dual enrollment program at the JCJC Center in Stonewall. QHS also partnered with William Carey University to offer academic dual credit for freshman college level courses in English Composition I and II, College Algebra, and College Trigonometry. More than 20 community businesses signed up for the Panther Perk Program, which provides discounts and incentives for teachers and builds community stakeholder involvement.

 Activities:

• Created Quitman High School ACT progression

• Principal conducted individual meetings with all teachers and students to assess needs, goals

• Video marketing campaign raised QHS profile in community

• Faculty hiring committee formed to involve community stakeholders in interviewing, ranking process

 Impacts:

• At least 50% of 2018 grads will have at least 3 college hours; 25% will graduate with at least 6

• QHS grew in 9 of 12 indicators on MS Accountability Model; school improved 193 total points — the highest growth of any high school in Mississippi in 2017

• Increased teacher retention rates by 64% in 2016-2017

• “Panther Nation Unite” was largest community event in QHS history, with 800+ in attendance