Milton Hershey School Partners with Manor College to Raise College Graduation Rates
On Monday, Dec. 2, Milton Hershey School secured a partnership with Manor College to support low-income, first-generation college students, including many MHS graduates. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, Manor College has identified and allocated resources that will help students overcome the academic, social, or financial challenges that may be barriers to reaching graduation.
Manor College has committed individual academic advisory support, financial aid assistance, and tutoring opportunities for enrolled, low-income students. Career counseling and assistance securing on-campus or work study employment will also be provided.
“As a result of this partnership, MHS students will have access to additional resources to help them succeed in their academic pursuits and guidance as they navigate the unknowns that come with life on a college campus, especially if they are the first in the family to go to college,” said Tanya Baynham, MHS Vice President of Graduation Programs for Success (GPS) Division. “Manor College is a natural fit for our next partnership because of the variety of degree programs that align with our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including concentrations focused on health science, business, and technology.”
Manor College is the 22nd institution committed to the success of MHS graduates. MHS has strategically partnered with colleges and universities throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland, including Dickinson College, Penn State University, and most recently Moravian College, who implement structures and supports for low-income, first-generation students.
“Our agreement with Milton Hershey School informs our region that Manor is committed to shared core values,” said Dr. Jonathan Peri, President of Manor College. “Students in our institutions are largely first-generation in college and seeking pathways to the American dream. It is our design to get them there.”
Partnerships are secured by Milton Hershey School’s Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) Division, a team of counselors and transition specialists who intentionally mentor and support MHS graduates as they enter college, technical programs, the workforce, or the military. The GPS team focuses on increasing communication and building supportive relationships with graduates through on-site campus visits, regular check-ins, academic and financial aid advice, and connections to the MHS alumni network and future career opportunities.