In what could be the first partnership of its kind in the St. Louis region, the University of Missouri–St. Louis is teaming up with St. Mary's South Side Catholic High School to open doors for high schoolers, faculty, staff and aspiring educators alike.
Reggie Hill, UMSL's vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and career advancement, and Mike England, president of St. Mary's South Side Catholic High School, will sign a three-year agreement outlining the details during a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11 in the student library at St. Mary's (4701 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63111).
The agreement includes exclusive benefits for St. Mary's students looking to attend UMSL as well as professional development opportunities for faculty and staff while providing UMSL education students with experience in classrooms at St. Mary's.
“The University of Missouri–St. Louis is excited to establish this partnership, which will help talented students at St. Mary's South Side Catholic High School continue their academic journey in higher education so they can reach their dreams,” Hill said. “UMSL offers so many great academic programs that prepare students for rewarding careers that fit their interests, bolstering their own futures while strengthening the St. Louis region.”
England said the partnership adds to the options St. Mary's provides to students looking for post-secondary education opportunities.
“The symbiotic relationship this three-year agreement builds between us and UMSL exposes students to career opportunities in addition to the apprenticeship program we built with our local trade union leaders,” England said. “It's clear our Dragons are in demand for educational institutions and the trades.”
Highlights of the partnership for St. Mary's students include:
- A streamlined admissions process for St. Mary's students
- A minimum guaranteed merit scholarship of $5,250 for qualified St. Mary's students.
- UMSL will also coordinate with St. Mary's on pre-college engagement opportunities, including exposing students to undergraduate programs, academic pathways and career-aligned disciplines.
- UMSL will also provide admissions advising, financial aid counseling and support with career exploration as well as implement a campus engagement initiative that could include campus tours and visit opportunities.
- UMSL will also participate in career fairs, workshops and related programming at St. Mary's aligned with student interests and regional workforce needs.
- St. Mary's will provide UMSL opportunities to engage with students through on-site or virtual presentations and provide access to appropriate school communication channels to promote the partnership and UMSL's programs.
For UMSL students pursuing careers in education, the partnership includes:
- Chances to serve as student teachers, supporting classroom instruction while also gaining practical, supervised teaching experience.
For St. Mary's staff, the partnership includes:
- Professional development opportunities through UMSL's Employer Education Partnerships and skills development initiatives.
- UMSL will offer tuition discounts to make upskilling, reskilling and career advancement pathways more accessible to St. Mary's faculty and staff.
This three-year agreement is part of UMSL's broader effort to partner with leading employers across the region and beyond. The university has developed similar educational partnerships with organizations such as World Wide Technology, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Nidec Motor Corporation, MERS Goodwill, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and the Greater St. Louis Area Council Scouting.
Through national platforms like the Edcor School Network, Amazon Career Choice, AllCampus and Bisk Amplified™, UMSL is extending its impact to working adults across the country – offering accessible undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with employer priorities and long-term career growth.
Additional media contact: Jackie Broekelmann, St. Mary's Marketing Director, 314-915-1636, broekelmannj@stmaryshs.com