College's strong start

All indications point to a strong start for the newly formed Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education.

The partnership, which is made up of Mineral Area College, Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers College, offers community college-type services for students in the Cape Girardeau County region at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.

In its first semester the institution enrolled 188 students in 29 classes. Officials look forward to enrollment significantly increasing in the near future, including an expectation of 400 enrolled students in the fall 2011 semester.

The increase in enrollment is expected as more students in the area learn about Missouri's A+ program. The initiative offers eligible students an opportunity to receive a full scholarship to attend a two-year community college or technical school in the state.

Those who would like more information about the partnership and its courses offered can go to www.semo.edu/cgphe.

Thank you to all those who are making this partnership possible. Our students and businesses are the beneficiary of your efforts.