The Vicksburg Warren School District announces the development of the P.A.T.H. initiative, Pathways to Advancement Through Hinds, a strategic realignment of the Vicksburg Secondary Center designed to expand college access, academic rigor, and workforce readiness for high school students.
Under the P.A.T.H. model, the Vicksburg Secondary Center will transition into a dedicated dual enrollment pathway serving eligible 12th-grade students. Students will remain enrolled in high school while completing college-level coursework aligned with defined academic and career pathways. The program emphasizes structured cohorts, intentional advising, consistent academic support, and strong collaboration between the district and Hinds Community College.
Beginning Fall 2026, a select group of 12th-grade students will participate in postsecondary-level Career and Technical Education programs at Hinds Community College’s Vicksburg Campus. Each program will initially enroll a minimum of five and a maximum of ten students per academic year, with the potential for growth based on program capacity and mutual agreement.
Participating students will earn postsecondary credit applicable toward an Applied Science degree or career certificate in the following areas: Welding Technology, Construction Carpentry, Precision Machining Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Automotive Technology, Plumbing Technology, Electrical Technology, and Mechatronics Technology.
Students will attend classes either half day or full day, depending on the program, and will be integrated with college students. Curriculum will align directly with Hinds Community College’s certificate and degree programs, and college credit will be awarded upon successful completion of coursework.
In addition to postsecondary opportunities, the district will continue to offer revised secondary-only coursework, including Work-Based Learning, with a focus on industry exposure, employability skills, and real-world application. These courses will not offer dual credit.
Secondary and dual credit programs for 11th and 12th-grade students will remain available in Health Science, Early Childhood Education, Simulation and Animation Design, and Energy Technology, allowing students to earn up to four courses over two academic years and accumulate college credit where applicable.
As part of the realignment, several programs will transition from secondary instruction to postsecondary-only instruction due to space considerations, duplication, and workforce alignment priorities. These include Welding, Carpentry, Precision Machining, Automotive, Law and Public Safety, Advanced Manufacturing, Culinary Arts, and Business Technology. Culinary Arts and Business Technology programs will transition to the Vicksburg Warren School District, while select program slots will close with the Mississippi Department of Education.
The district will also introduce additional opportunities, including Work-Based Learning courses beginning Fall 2026, a CTE Smart Start dual credit course beginning Spring 2027, and online dual credit courses in Information Systems Technology starting Fall 2026.
Eligibility for P.A.T.H. participation includes academic, attendance, behavior, and program commitment requirements. Students must complete an application process that includes eligibility review, interviews with Hinds Community College faculty and staff, notification of acceptance, and mandatory orientation for students and parents.
The Vicksburg Warren School District remains committed to providing students with pathways that support postsecondary success, workforce readiness, and meaningful career opportunities through strategic partnerships and intentional program design.
For additional information, families are encouraged to contact their school counselor or the Vicksburg Warren School District.