Allen University Announces Partnership with Richland School District Two
Allen University and Richland School District Two recently announced a community academic impact partnership. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to create educational, arts, professional mentoring, and more for Richland School District Two students. “Richland School District Two is actively cultivating interest in STEM in its students. If students have aspirations to be successful in the field of STEM, I encourage them to consider an HBCU for their first degree,” explained Allen University President, Ernest McNealey. “The internal investments in these institutions far exceed anything that one can imagine. I look forward to the imaginative discoveries that come from this partnership as well as the value its impact will have on the midlands.”
The new partnership seeks to cultivate and amplify Columbia-area students to excel academically and professionally while nurturing talent to remain in and impact the Columbia area following obtaining their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the MOU is to set out understandings and areas of cooperation between AU and Richland County School District Two in developing and delivering programs and activities in the forms of subject matter expert presenters, STEAM summer programs, volunteer mentors and readers, and broad- based collaboration on initiatives that serve the Midlands.
“At Richland Two, we strive to be the premier school district, committed to creating an equitable, engaging culture where all are afforded the opportunity to maximize their gifts and talents as they pursue their unique pathway to purpose. As our team has met with the Allen University leadership team to work through the details of this new partnership, it has been evident that the university shares a similar vision making this partnership a natural fit for both of our organizations,” explained Dr. Baron Davis, Richland School District Two Superintendent.
Highlights of the MOU signed April 1, 2021, include Allen University providing subject matter expert speakers and presenters for designated occasions and programs at high schools in Richland Two; “real science” summer laboratory experiences for selected high school students from Richland Two; “master class” summer sessions with performing musicians on the AU faculty for students in Richland Two; readers and leaders for enrichment and acceleration programs for schools across the District; and supporting other programs and initiatives in Richland Two that afford students opportunities to maximize their gifts and talents.
AU is accredited by the 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 AU.
Richland Two strives to be the premier school district—a learning and working environment where all partners are committed to creating, sustaining, and investing in a culture and environment of excellence and where all are afforded the opportunity to maximize their gifts and talents as they pursue their pathways to purpose. Located in Northeast Columbia in Richland County, Richland Two serves more than 27,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade.
