Ten years ago, in 2003, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) began a new initiative known as Middle College which was designed to offer a college opportunity to individuals between 18 and 24 not currently enrolled in high school, who demonstrate a 9th grade level based on Reading and Math test results, and who are ready to commit to their future through participation in a structured academic and pre-vocational program.
Reynolds was among a handful of VCCS schools who immediately adopted the program. While preparing for the GED, students also receive assistance with enrolling in college, applying for financial aid and scholarship opportunities, identifying an academic/vocational plan, preparing for the Virginia College Placement test (VPT) and registering for classes, all at no cost to the student.
In the last ten years more than 809 students have been served by the Middle College at Reynolds. Of those 809 students, 565 or 70% have earned their GED, and 548 (68%) have also earned a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), a workplace credential. The majority of students also completed a Student Development Course, earning their first college credit. Over 300 of the Middle College graduates have continued with college at a VCCS institution.
Mary Jo Washko, director of the Middle College Program, noted, “We are incredibly proud of our students and what they have accomplished over the past ten years. They are proof that hard work and determination can propel an individual beyond the challenges in life that threaten to block the road to success. I am humbled everyday by the tenacity of our students as they address family, work, housing, and transportation issues to take advantage of this program. They understand that everyone doesn’t get a second chance and they’re not about to waste this opportunity. We are very grateful for the financial support provided by individuals, foundations, and businesses which has ensured that the students of the Middle College have access to a future full of choice and opportunity made possible through education and training.”
There are currently 50 program graduates enrolled at JSRCC while others chose to pursue training at other educational institutions in the Richmond region. Some graduates have decided to pursue employment to gain stability before pursuing additional training while others work while also going to school on a part time basis. After graduating from the Middle College Sherika worked for years at a local cable company and took classes at JSRCC in the evening. She has completed 57 college credits but has taken a break from classes to pursue her lifelong dream of opening a daycare center which she now operates out of her home. Jamal and Jessica decided continue their education immediately after completing the Middle College and they are both now taking classes at the college. Jessica has already completed a certificate program and is now working towards her Associate’s degree, Jamal is on the Dean’s list. Ronnie finished the Middle College and was selected for an exposure event at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, he is interested in pursuing a degree in Science or Technology. Crystal graduated from the Middle College in 2007 and returned to earn her Pharmacy Tech certificate in 2012, she is now working at a local hospital with aspirations to become a pharmacist. Natasha is pursuing her degree in Architecture and working at a local architectural firm. Middle College graduates are now students in 4 year colleges and universities, managing local establishments, and working in public and private offices all around the region. Several students are also now employed by J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
This year the Middle College received more than 500 applications. A rigorous process of testing, interviewing, and orientation results in a maximum of forty students being accepted in both the fall and spring semesters, and an additional 20 students are typically accepted in the summer. JSR alum Jackie Epps who serves as the Middle College’s office specialist has been with the program since its inception, providing an incredible wealth of institutional knowledge. Three work-study students who are Middle College graduates serve as mentors to current students in the program.
