ASHLAND — After nearly a year of planning, Ashland University and Ashland City Schools officials came together to sign a memorandum of understanding for a new partnership on Tuesday.
The partnership, called the “Talon Track Program,” aims to connect Ashland University to Ashland High School students.
“This is something that’s been in our hearts and minds for a long time, and let me tell you why: Ashland Arrows make great Eagles,” said AU president Carlos Campo at Tuesday’s signing.
Campo signed the memorandum alongside Ashland City Schools Superintendent Steve Paramore and Bob Archer, a trustee at Ashland University. Archer said he gives scholarships to five Ashland High School seniors each year, and those scholarships are higher if students plan to attend Ashland University.
The memorandum was signed next to an Ashland University kiosk installed at AHS as part of the program.
According to the memorandum, the Talon Track Program will include:
- Visits to Ashland High School by AU faculty, who will teach courses and help students explore careers in their academic disciplines
- College prep programming via activities like a campus visit day and workshops on the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) and career exploration
- Online and in-person dual enrollment courses for high school students
- A greater presence in the high school via kiosks and visits
- Tuition assistance for students who enroll at AU and maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average
The Talon Track Program is kicking off at Ashland High School, something Paramore said was important because Ashland University and AHS have had a partnership for a long time.
Campo agreed, saying there’s always been a connection between the university and Ashland High School. The Talon Track Program, he said, grew from a concern that the university “felt missed by students and was missing students.”
The Talon Track Program aims to fill that gap by ensuring students know about Ashland University’s offerings.
Paramore said as an Ashland University grad, he always gravitates toward it. He added that his daughter went to AU, too.
“I’m the poster parent for a great freshman experience for my daughter at AU,” Paramore said.
In the future, Campo said the university plans to expand the Talon Track Program beyond Ashland High School and to other schools in the area and state.
But, he said, opening the door for students at Ashland first reflects the university’s determination to make Ashland — the school, city and community — better. And Paramore agreed.
“Ashland got better today,” Paramore said.
