Mapleton Schools become another official Talon Track partner
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University has entered into an official agreement with another Talon Track partner – Mapleton Local School District. The two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, outlining a new collaboration that should be mutually beneficial.
Talon Track is a new initiative, introduced in 2023 when AU and the Ashland City School District first joined together on a shared vision. The purpose of Talon Track is to provide educational opportunities for high school students that will enhance their experience in the classroom and promote the benefits of higher education, as well as support college-bound students and their families in the search process and introduce AU as an example of the college experience.
“We are very pleased to be adding Mapleton Schools as an official Talon Track partner,” remarked AU President Carlos Campo. “Ashland University faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to educate Mapleton students on potential academic and career paths, the value of a higher education and much more. Mapleton students and their families, in turn, receive an introduction to AU as a potential college choice. We look forward to developing this relationship.”
Specific plans of the Talon Track program include:
- AU faculty visits to teach courses and/or explore careers in various academic disciplines
- Panels of current AU students who will discuss the difference between high school and college
- An onsite financial aid workshop for students and their families, presented by the AU financial aid office
- A career exploration workshop for students and their families, presented by the AU Career Center for Life Calling
- College Credit Plus courses for interested students, offered both in-person and online
- A $1,000 tuition scholarship to graduates of the partner high school who enroll at AU and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and another $1,000 housing scholarship for those who choose to reside on campus and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA starting fall 2024
“The Mapleton Local School District is excited to extend our partnership and collaboration with Ashland University to provide more learning opportunities for our students,” stated Scott Smith, superintendent. “The Talon Track, where Mounties become Eagles, will provide college prep programming and tuition assistance to our Mapleton students and families.”
AU plans to continue to expand the Talon Track program and will work with like-minded schools across the region to become partners.
Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.