FSD3, Allen University Announce Partnership

FSD3, Allen University Announce Partnership
Posted on 06/17/2021

Allen University and Florence School District Three announced an academic support and community impact partnership during a ceremony in Lake City on June 17.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to increase accessibility to college-level arts and science programming, provide professional mentorship, and engaging enrichment and acceleration programming for students districtwide.

“Florence School District Three has a rich history. Home to the likes of Ronald E. McNair, Florence School District Three exemplifies the talent that lies in our state. The district is dedicated to ensuring all students are college and career-ready and are productive members of society. At Allen University, where we “Teach the Mind to Think, the Hands to Work, and the Heart to Love,” students from Florence School District Three can thrive,” explained Allen University President and CEO Dr. Ernest McNealey. “Providing an increase in accessibility continues our commitment to meeting students where they are and remaining dedicated to the communities we serve.”

The new partnership seeks to increase accessibility to exposure of college-level and professional opportunities to Florence area students. The document outlines areas of cooperation between Allen University and Florence School District Three in developing and delivering programming, access, and exposure to college and professional opportunities that can positively impact the Florence area students.

“We are excited to partner with Allen University to provide our students with another layer of support as well as the opportunity for additional education experiences,” Dr. Laura Hickson, Florence School District Three, Superintendent, explained. “With the rigor of college-level programming as well as the mentorship and enrichment available through this partnership, we can provide our students a more seamless transition from high school to college or the workforce. We thank Allen University for their commitment to this partnership and Florence School District Three students.”

Highlights of the MOU signed June 17, 2021, include:

Allen University will provide

  • subject matter speakers and presenters for designated occasions and programs at schools in Florence 3,
  • remote mentoring and scheduled onsite mentoring,
  • student access to Saturday Art and Science programs,
  • readers and leaders for enrichment, mentorship, and acceleration programs for schools across the district,
  • support for programs and initiatives in Florence 3 reflective of the universal obligation of citizenship and pursuit of the Greater Good.

About Allen University

Allen University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on

Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Southern

Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Allen University.

Dr. Ernest McNealey, Allen University President, and Dr. Laura Hickson, Florence School District 3 Superintendent, hold up the signed copies of the memorandum of understanding