Waynesville High School students will soon have the opportunity to pursue an associate degree in criminal justice at the Ozarks Technical Community College Waynesville Center.
“Beyond our AP and dual enrollment courses, this program will offer yet another opportunity for our high school students to graduate ready for college or a career,” said Dr. Brian Henry, Waynesville R-VI School District superintendent.
On Monday, July 20, the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education voted to pursue a new partnership with the OTC Waynesville Center that will provide students with the option to earn the associate degree while still in high school.
“The board’s vote allows us to proceed with planning toward a target implementation date of January or August 2016,” said Henry. “By working with our close neighbor, we will open up careers in the criminal justice field that will have a long-lasting, positive impact in our community and state.”
Once students graduate from Waynesville High School with their associate degree in criminal justice, they will have the option to work toward a bachelor’s degree in the same field through the Missouri State University campus in Waynesville.
“Monday’s vote illustrates the strong relationship between OTC and the Waynesville School District,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “By providing this opportunity to high school students, we’re developing the Waynesville-area workforce and building a stronger community.”