PA State System of Higher Education Partners with Milton Hershey School to Support Low-Income College Students
Representatives from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and the 14 state-run universities and Milton Hershey School® are partnering to better support the transition from high school to college for low-income students.
“It’s incredible when we can get everyone around the table to collaborate on how to best provide for our students’ future success,” MHS Vice President of Graduate Programs for Success Tanya Barton said. “We strive to create a smooth transition for all our students pursuing postsecondary education and this type of partnership is only enhancing that experience, even more.”
On Friday, Sept. 22, PASSHE members toured Milton Hershey School’s campus and attended high school classes to learn more about the school’s rigorous academic and college and career programs to support low-income students while at the school and as they transition to postsecondary education.
“I’m very interested in knowing more about the educational journeys of MHS students,” Provost and Executive Vice President at Shippensburg University Barbara Lyman said. “It’s helpful to have a better sense of what some of the support programs are that would be important for students who are transitioning to an institution like Shippensburg.”
A discussion also was held among the group about best strategies to shift from high school to postsecondary education for the low-income student demographic.
“I want to know what we can do better to create that bridge where students have the chance for success,” Bloomsburg University Interim Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. James Krause said.
MHS is committed to student success following graduation. The school’s Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) Division provides students and alumni with a multi-tiered system of support that addresses their individual needs while fostering independence.
MHS already has memorandum of understandings (MOU) with Shippensburg University and East Stroudsburg University to offer more focused and sustained support to MHS graduates.