Masonry and Criminology Dual Enrollment Students Visit Ferrum College
 FERRUM, VA, May 24, 2024 – Last month, Franklin County High School dual enrollment students from Travis Sigmon’s masonry class and Brian McClung’s criminology class visited Ferrum College to complete hands-on coursework and participate in a College class. The purpose of the visit was for students to complete a semesterly experience on campus as part of the Ferrum College Workforce Laboratory School Pilot Program with Franklin County High School where11th and 12th grade students who opt for Career and Technical Education (CTE) dual enrollment college credit have the opportunity to specialize in curriculum to build skill sets critically needed by local and regional employers including nursing, EMT, paramedic, and fire fighting in addition to skills needed in industrial settings. The masonry students built multiple brick pedestals for signs on the College campus, and the criminology students explored the College Crime Scene House and attended Professor Nana Nti’s criminal justice class. Brian McClung ’95 shared how the visit opened discussion among the students about many careers in criminal justice and how Ferrum College can help his students pursue their dreams. “My Criminal Justice students enjoyed the visit to Ferrum’s campus. They especially enjoyed the activity set up by Dr. Franklin in the crime scene house and seeing how what we have discussed in class applied to a ‘real’ crime scene. As an alum, I enjoyed seeing how Ferrum has advanced the educational offerings to better prepare the students for life after college and seeing my students realize they could continue their education at Ferrum to pursue careers in criminology. I hope our partnership will continue well into the future.” Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Innovation and Research Officer for the College Dr. Jason Powell credits Franklin County School administrators for their willingness to work collaboratively to make the pilot possible. “Working with Franklin County High School Principal Mr. Crutchfield and Franklin County High School CTE Administrator Mr. Bumgardner to find suitable pilot courses for the laboratory school planning grant was very collaborative and extremely effective. Mr. Sigmon and Mr. McClung were very forthcoming with information about their courses, and they provided great opportunities to interact with their students.” The College announced receipt of a Partnership Laboratory School Planning Grant of $199,517.00 from the Virginia Department of Education in July 2023, and the pilot classes with Franklin County High School were essential to meeting the planning benchmarks for the proposed Ferrum College Academy for Opportunity and Innovation where dual enrollment credit will be an option for students in trades and workforce development areas of critical need. Powell shared how impactful the pilot program was for everyone involved. “The culminating experience of bringing both groups to Ferrum’s campus for practical, hands-on learning opportunities really captured many of the goals we have set for the proposed College Partnership Laboratory School. It was very energizing to have these dual enrollment students on our campus participating as they did. What we have learned through this partnership is extremely valuable for future plans related to dual enrollment partnerships and what we have planned for implementing the Ferrum College Academy for Opportunity and Innovation upon approval and funding from the Virginia Department of Education.” College President Dr. Mirta Martin affirmed the exemplary nature of the students’ work. “The work of Franklin County High School’s masonry and criminology students on the Ferrum College campus for their end-of-semester hands-on projects is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of our lab school pilot program. This initiative, fueled by a planning grant, exemplifies the essence of collaboration, bringing together education and practical experience to forge workforce-ready graduates. These students are not just learning to build walls and solve crimes—they are laying the foundation for a stronger community and a brighter future for the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their enthusiasm and hard work shine as beacons of hope and progress, proving that when we work together and provide innovative opportunities to educate and train the next generation, we are equipping them for limitless potential in the workforce of tomorrow.” ### |
| ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Jason Powell Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Chief Innovation and Research Officer Professor of Chemistry and Physics FERRUM COLLEGE Academic Affairs John Wesley 105P.O. Box 1000 | Ferrum, VA 24088-9000p 540.365.4483 | [email protected] |
| More About Ferrum College: Ferrum College is a private, United Methodist-affiliated, liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Ferrum, VA. The Ferrum experience is rich with opportunities for internships; hands-on learning; research and study-abroad opportunities as a first-year student and beyond; and excellent financial aid and scholarship packages. Ferrum College is also the first and only higher education institution in Virginia to extend the Ferrum Promise, guaranteeing that students transferring to the College with an appropriate associate’s degree will graduate with a four-year degree within two years of transfer. Last Spring, Ferrum announced The Panther Promise offering free tuition to qualifying Virginia students. |