Mississippi Scholars Mississippi Scholars Tech Master The Real Skills Gap Business Roundtable Survey 2009

Pinnacle Sponsors

Mississippi Scholars Curriculum 4 Credits of English (I, II are required with two additional English above English II) 4 Credits of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4 th year of math of comparable rigor) 4 Credits of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or lab-based science from approved list, 4 th year of comparable rigor, or one Carnegie unit from a CTE course) 4 Credits of Social Studies (World Geography, MS Studies, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Economics) 1 Credit of Arts (Visual and Performing Arts or 2 units for the completion of the 2 course sequence Computer Graphics Technology I & II) 2 Credits of Advanced Electives (Two Foreign Languages or a 5 th Math or 5 th Science of higher rigor)

Mississippi Scholars Additional Requirements  40 hours of community or volunteer service (4 years)  Minimum of 18 ACT composite score (overall score)  2.5 high school GPA  3 letters of recommendation (one from each of the following- principal, counselor, and business/community leader for student with more than 4 in-school suspensions)  95% school attendance during high school years  No out-of school suspension  MS Scholars must complete any remaining State-Mandated high school graduation requirements  Advance placement courses may be substituted in MS Scholar subject areas  Dual credit courses are acceptable

Mississippi Scholars Tech Master The Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), along with an influential group of leaders from some of the state’s largest employers, have joined forces to create a program that will help Mississippi move forward to improve its workforce readiness. The Mississippi Scholars Tech Master program will encourage students to pursue and meet specific standards in a tech-prep course of study. Their achievements will be recognized at graduation, just as the Mississippi Scholars program currently distinguishes those who pursue a college-bound study, with a particular emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Mississippi Scholars Tech Master Curriculum Current MDE Career Pathway Track - Academic Course of Study (4 Credits) English *(3 Credits) Math - Algebra I,- Math above Algebra I (Course has to be related to program of study) Geometry Mandatory (3 Credits) Science – Biology I, 2 additional Science Credits above Biology I (the credits must be in the Student’s Program of Study) (3 Credits) Social Studies - American History, Government and MS Studies (1 Credit) Computer (½ Credit) Health or PE *(2.5) Electives of your program of study *4 CTE Credits in the same area of study – Must take 4 CTE credits Non-negotiable Must have 21 minimum credits - Students can go the 21 or 24 credit route allowing time for internship. *Flexibility to tailor courses to area of interest.

Mississippi Scholars Tech Master Additional Requirements  40 hours of community or volunteer service (4 years)  Minimum of 18 ACT composite score (overall score) or  Minimum 36 ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test)  2.5 high school GPA  95% school attendance during high school years  No out-of school suspension Must attain a passing score, as establish by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), on the Mississippi Career Planning and Assessment System (CPAS2) or a passing score on an MDE approved industry certification assessment. Mississippi Scholars Tech Master must complete any remaining State- Mandated high school graduation requirements. Dual credit courses are acceptable.

The Economic Imperative: A high school diploma is no longer enough; now, nearly every good job requires some education beyond high school and all students need to be academically prepared to compete for good jobs in the global economy. The Equity Imperative: Far too many students drop out or graduate from high school unprepared for success. The Expectations Imperative: The bar has been set too low for too long, keeping students from reaching their full potential, closing doors and limiting their post-high school options and opportunities.

Let’s take a look at your life Age (yrs.) Average life expectancy “working years” 18 Critical period = 48

What would it be like to have a full-time job right after high school? What if you were paid $13 per hour? That ’ s $2,250 a month. (more than most teenagers earn just out of high school)

Congratulations. You’re hired! Starting salary: $13 per hour $2,250 per month $27,040 per year (Hey... I’m rich!!)

Paying for the “Necessities” MONTHLY TOTAL: $2,250 Item Expense $$ Federal and State Taxes$360$1,890 Social Security + Medicare$150$1,740 Rent (w/roommate)$400$1,340 Food$300$1,040 Utilities (gas, electric, water)$100$940 Phone Bill$50$890 Personal Items$30 $860 Medical/Dental Insurance $100$760 Clothes $65$695 Furniture/TV/Appliances$50$645

Paying for the “Luxuries” REMAINING INCOME:$645 Item Expense $$ Car Payment, Insurance, $500$145 Gas, oil, etc. Internet Access/Cable TV$80$65 Entertainment$40$25 Savings$25 $0

$7.25 x 40 hrs/wk $ x 52 wks/yr $15, year $7.25 x 40 hrs/wk $ x 52 wks/yr $15, year Unskilled Labor $12.98 x 40 hrs/wk $ x 52 wks/yr $27, year $12.98 x 40 hrs/wk $ x 52 wks/yr $27, year Skilled Labor Comparing the Difference

Did you know that nothing has more impact on your future income than the amount of education that you have?

The vast majority of students intend to go on to college and do not expect to drop out of high school: – 93 percent of middle school students report there is “no chance” they will drop out in high school. – 94 percent of high school students say that they are planning to continue their education after high school either at a two- or four-year institution. – 95 percent of teenagers report that graduating from high school is “critical to their future success.” The Expectations Imperative Source: Middle Schools Poll, Prepared for the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa, 2007; Civic Enterprises, The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts, 2006; Boys & Girls Clubs of America/Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, Teen Graduation Crisis Survey, Students Overwhelmingly Want to Succeed and Attend College

Source: National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (2008). Student Pipeline - Transition and Completion Rates from 9th Grade to College. Of every th graders in Mississippi: 60 graduate high school in four years 46 enroll in college, of these 27 persist in to sophomore year in college, of these 15 earn a college degree Too Many Students Remain Off Track to Success The Expectations Imperative

Let ’ s talk about it! Is there a connection between your education today and your career in the future???

Develop Workplace Skills

Preparing You for the Future College & Career Ready Engagement Completing HS Completing PS/ Industry credential Achievement Academic Occupational Technical Transition Through School To continuing education To the workplace To a successful adulthood

Academic Mathematics Science Communications Needs to Build These Skills Occupational “Core” Skills Employability Skills Technical Job specific skills valued by employers College & Career Ready

 More choices for education after high school  More opportunities for good jobs  More money to buy the things you want  More control over your future  Remember, the workforce is changing today. To be prepared for the future, you must prepare NOW. We want to help you have...

Achievement of MS Scholars/MS Scholars Tech Master status will be noted with a seal on your transcript.  Colleges and universities will notice the seal and know that you have taken a rigorous course of study.  Employers may ask for transcripts and look for the seal.

Four-Year College/ University Four-Year College/ University Workforce (Civilian & Military) Workforce (Civilian & Military) Two-Year Community or Technical College Two-Year Community or Technical College A better LIFE! You will be prepared for:

You can have a successful future by taking the right steps now to prepare for what you would like to do in the future. Our business community wants you to succeed! We stand behind you and want to help you. You can do it!