Jackson River Governor’s School for Science, Mathematics and Technology
If you are a high school student with above average interest and ability in math and science, you should consider Jackson River Governor’s School for Science, Mathematics and Technology (JRGS).
By attending JRGS in your junior and senior years, you can become a graduate of JRGS, earn a Career Studies Certificate from MGCC with up to forty college credits, and have the option of earning an associate degree from MGCC.
Participating area school divisions include:
- Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
- Bath County Public Schools
- Botetourt County Public Schools
- Buena Vista City Public Schools
- Covington City Public Schools
JRGS is located on the MGCC campus in Clifton Forge. Students from Rockbridge and Highland Counties are invited to participate as well.
Schedule
As a student of JRGS, you would attend classes at the MGCC campus in Clifton Forge, and return to your high schools for lunch and afternoon classes in English, social studies, and electives. You can still participate in clubs, athletics, the performing arts and other after-school activities. Daily JRGS classes follow the typical college schedule and the MGCC calendar.
Credits
You have the opportunity to earn as much as 40 college credits as a student of JRGS. You can then transfer those credits onto a college or university of your choice, but please speak to the admissions office to verify that your classes will transfer. This enables you and your family to significantly reduce the cost of college.
Our JRGS students have gone on to enroll in some of the finest colleges and universities in the country.
Cost
You can attend JRGS at no cost if you are a student from a participating school division. JRGS provides textbooks, a graphing calculator, and laptop. Each participating school division pays the tuition costs.
Curriculum
The JRGS curriculum includes:
- Advanced Chemistry
- Biology
- College Physics
- University Physics
- Introduction to Scientific Research
- Statistics
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Vector Calculus
- Information Literacy
- Computer Applications & Concepts
Credentials
Students successfully completing one year of Jackson River Governor’s School will earn the MGCC Career Studies Certificate in Science and Mathematics and may participate in the MGCC graduation ceremony in May.
You can possibly even earn an associate degree while still enrolled in high school.
The Associate of Arts and Sciences – Science Major Program requires the completion of only an additional twenty-seven credit hours above those that are earned as a JRGS student. These additional credits may be earned a variety of ways, including dual enrollment courses at your high school, MGCC evening and summer courses, independent study, and/or credits by exam. Earning an associate degree from MGCC upon graduation from high school can result in significant financial savings for students and families. You can also take advantage of MGCC’s guaranteed admissions agreements with many four-year colleges and universities, entering as a junior. Talk to the admissions office at the college or university of your choice.
Meet Our JRGS Staff
Current JRGS Faculty Members are:
Ashley Pratt - Instructor, Mathematics
Barbara Kolb - Adjunct Faculty, Biology and Research
Steve Nicholson - Instructor, Mathematics and Physics
Richard Watkins - Adjunct Faculty, Mathematics and Science
Scott Peterson - Adjunct Faculty, Chemistry
Nova Wright – Instructor, Information Technology
Eddie Graham serves as the director of Jackson River Governor’s School. His professional experience includes teaching at Clifton Forge High School, Director of Jackson River Technical Center, and Superintendent of Covington City Public Schools. Graham has been involved in the operation of JRGS since its creation and has been Director since 2009. He may be contacted at (540) 863-2872 or egraham@mgcc.edu.
Application
Application packets for JRGS, including admission criteria and deadlines, are available early in the second semester in your high school guidance office. You may also contact Graham, the JRGS Director, at (540) 863-2872.