Meridian and Lauderdale County public schools have signed an agreement with Meridian Community College that could benefit students, both financially and time-wise.

Students may earn credit on their high school transcripts for courses they take at MCC.

Beginning in the fall, this will include career and technical classes, as well as academic courses. And MCC is offering these classes to high school students at a reduced cost.

"The benefits are, we'll have students that will simultaneously will be getting credit at the secondary, at the high school, as well as Meridian Community College," said Dr. Richie McAlister, dean of occupational education at MCC. "We envision eventually that students will graduate from area high schools and they'll be handed not only their high school diploma but they'll be handed an associate degree from Meridian Community College."

These dual credits will only transfer to MCC.

The five technical classes being added are machine tool trades, drafting and design, graphics communication, practical nursing, and telecommunications.

Interested high school students in Meridian and Lauderdale County should talk with their teachers and school administration about these opportunities.