Covington High Looks Beyond School Walls for College and Career Readiness
Three out of four Covington High School graduates go on to a two- or four-year college after high school . That ’ s an impressive achievement , exceeding the statewide average .
But flip this point of pride upside-down , and for Principal Marcus Heaston , a challenge is revealed . What happens to the other kids ?
2014 SCORE Prize winner Covington High School delivers results for every student , whether that means pairing qualifying kids with funds for college or paving direct pathways from high school to high-quality jobs .
“ If we ’ re operating as a high-level high school , we need to make sure kids truly are college- and career-ready ,” said Mr . Heaston . “ We can end a generation of poverty if we do this the right way .”
CHS serves 750 students in grades 9-12 in Covington , a small town northeast of Memphis . About 72 percent of CHS students are economically disadvantaged . The school has achieved strong three-year TVAAS growth , especially in Algebra I and II and English II . CHS has raised proficiency in algebra above the state average while narrowing achievement gaps .
To ensure students are truly ready for college and career , CHS reaches out to the community and collaborates with local businesses and economic development initiatives . The school is enterprising in its preparation of students for available pathways to post-secondary schools and career training . Career and technical education classes help students acquire relevant skills in high school , particularly in the health services and manufacturing industries . A partnership with the Regional Economic Development Institute ( REDI ) helps students get to college with financial aid applications , and later , tracks college success rates . Expanded dual-credit options are offered , and students are prepared proactively to qualify for Hope Scholarship funds and programs like Tennessee Scholars and Tennessee Promise .
“ Every time Governor Haslam comes up with an initiative , we study it . We find a way to really embrace it ,” Mr . Heaston said .
In the last few years , CHS has found ways to partner with one of Tipton County ’ s largest employers , the Unilever manufacturing plant in Covington . Unilever is a massive manufacuturer of consumer goods , and in Covington , Unilever makes ice cream – Popsicles , Klondike and Good Humor bars , and Breyers . Almost 1,000 workers are expected to be on the team there by the time a current , major expansion is complete .
The plant expansion has created a need for more skilled entry-level workers than managers could find locally ,
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