CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (Sept. 16, 2024) — Ohio University Chillicothe is enhancing access to higher education for local students through a new partnership with Huntington High School, Zane Trace High School, and Westfall High School. This collaboration aims to broaden participation in the College Credit Plus (CCP) program by introducing “Rally Rooms” at each high school.
These newly established Rally Rooms, equipped by OHIO Chillicothe, will allow students to connect remotely to college courses. The initiative is designed to overcome barriers related to transportation and accessibility that have previously limited student engagement in CCP programs.
Craig Kerns, principal of Huntington High School, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting the positive impact on his students. Historically, students at Huntington had to travel to Ohio University Chillicothe or other campuses, a challenge that restricted participation due to costs and transportation issues.
“With the introduction of the Rally Room, our students now have the opportunity to engage with college professors and participate in academic discussions without leaving their high school,” Kerns said. “The Rally Room not only makes it more convenient for students but also enriches their learning experience by bringing college-level education directly to them.”
Roberta Milliken, Dean of Campus and Community Relations at OHIO Chillicothe, emphasized the importance of this project in furthering the university’s commitment to community service and educational excellence.
“This initiative aligns with our mission to be a cornerstone of the community and to offer high-quality education. While we hope many of these students will continue their studies at Ohio University Chillicothe, our primary goal is to provide them with a solid start in higher education within their own schools and communities,” Milliken said.
Kerns is optimistic about the future impact of the Rally Rooms on student success and college preparation.
“I am confident that this initiative will offer our students invaluable experiences that will benefit them as they transition to higher education,” Kerns added. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ohio University and offering our students even more opportunities for academic and personal growth.”
For more information, please contact Samantha Pelham, public relations and communications strategist, at [email protected].
