COLLEGIATE ACADEMY For more information about Collegiate Academy, visit
MGCCC.EDU/ COLLEGIATE-ACADEMY 228.896.2536 “Being an MGCCC student for two years has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am very honored to have had this opportunity.” - Derek Watts Jr., Graduate of Gulfport High School & MGCCC Mr. Jefferson Davis Campus Comprised of high school juniors and seniors enrolled in dual-credit courses at their high school and at MGCCC, Collegiate Academy expands learning opportunities for students, provides up to 60 hours of college credit transferable to universities and/or an industry certification credential. It is a customized high school experience with the rigor of college and offers a transition to college in a flexible, supportive and academically enriched environment. It provides an environment that surrounds students with positive role models; helps them acclimate to college-level standards; and engages full immersion into both the high school and collegiate environment. “I highly recommend Collegiate Academy to jumpstart your career path,” said Carissa Virgilio, who will graduate from Gulfport High School and MGCCC in May. “It gives you the taste of having to take responsibility for many things, including making the grade and committing to the field you’re interested in.” Virgilio was a sophomore
Homecoming maid at the Jefferson Davis Campus, where she takes classes through Collegiate Academy. Her mother, Susan Virgilio, said she was pleased with the opportunities offered to Carissa through Collegiate Academy. “It is an awesome program. She will be able to finish her associate degree and already be halfway through college when she graduates from high school. Plus, we know MGCCC is a great school and will help prepare her for the nursing program at the university level. I am thrilled she has done so well in the program.” Through Collegiate Academy, counselors work closely with the school district and students to ensure students are getting the required coursework for both college and high school. Classes are flexible, allowing students to participate in the high school activities they choose and college activities, except athletics. Academy students will have access to the college’s Learning Resource Centers, which offer individualized attention from college instructors and a wide array of research materials.