Students from Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience attend the annual Outdoor and Wildlife Symposium. (UMO photo)
Students from South Johnston High School tour Warren Farming Partnership in Newton Grove. (UMO photo)
MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive Academy Program is committed to fostering educational advancement and career readiness among high school students. Launched in 2016 at the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA), the University’s Academy Program aims to cultivate students’ aspirations for post-secondary education and guide them toward well-defined career goals.
Designed to create clear pathways for students to earn college credits while fulfilling high school graduation requirements, the Academy Program now extends to several additional high schools including South Johnston in Johnson County, Providence Grove in Randolph County, Harrells Christian Academy in Sampson County, and North East Carolina Prep (NECP) in Edgecombe County.
Program highlights and structure
Most participating high schools leverage a flexible program that delivers courses through synchronous online learning. Ongoing discussions with various school systems and individual schools aim to expand on-site and flexible learning options further.
Students in the Academy Program benefit from:
• Access to in-depth college courses aligned with their career pathways.
• The opportunity to earn college credits during high school, optimizing their elective courses.
• Preparation for the academic rigors of college-level coursework.
• Access to UMO student resources, including the MOYE Library and Writing Center.
“The flexibility and depth of this program allow students to progress in their chosen fields while remaining active in their high school communities, whether through sports, FFA, or other extracurricular activities,” said Dr. Jason Davis, Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.
Innovative opportunities in Science Education
Looking ahead, the UMO School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences plans to offer new opportunities in the sciences. “We plan to provide introductory courses in environmental and natural resources as well as lower-level science courses,” said Dean of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences Dr. Steve Matthis.
Dual graduation milestone
Remarkably, students who complete the 60 semester hours required for an associate degree in agriculture and their high school diploma can graduate at UMO’s commencement before receiving their high school diploma. While not all participants complete their degrees within the program, many continue their education at UMO or other institutions.
Students must pass college-level courses with a grade of C or better, meeting the same standards as their on-campus peers. “This rigorous academic environment demands responsibility, time management, quality work, and the ability to seek help when needed,” said Davis.
For more information about the UMO Academy Program, please contact Dean Steve Matthis at JMatthis@umo.edu or Assistant Dean Jason Davis at RDavis@umo.edu.
