Registration Starts for Mills Scholars Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Going from high school to college can be a real challenge for some students.

Pre-registration starts Monday night at Mills University Studies High in Little Rock for its Scholars Program, which is getting students ready for their future, today.

Joshua Pike, an 11th grader, keeps a busy schedule with athletics and the Men of Standards Club.

"I enjoy them; it's a challenge," said Pike.

Another challenge is the Scholars Program, where students take higher education courses, to better prepare for college.

"So the work ethic from sixth grade, it pays off getting college credit," added Pike.

So has Paige Smith, who's been taking upper-level courses since third grade.

"It's just always been there," said Smith.

For this junior, taking college courses in high school just feels right.

"I feel like once I do get to college, I feel like it will just be normal," added Smith.

Current Scholars Program and middle school students who want to be in the scholars program when they enter high school at Mills are encouraged to register.

"We don't want them to get to college and not have had the experience, so we think if we offer them the experience the more likely it is they can get there, they matriculate, and they 'll be successful," said Veronica Perkins, Principal at Mills.

No wonder Mills has been named one of the best high schools in the nation since 2000 by Newsweek Magazine - with students leaving high school with a combined $14 million in scholarships.

"So if you can do it now, you can do it in college with ease," said Pike.

The schedule is:

Today - 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Current Talented and Gifted Specialty Program 8th-grade students)
Wednesday - 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Current 9th and 10th grade students)

Monday (February 25) - 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Current 11th-grade students)

Pre-registration will take place at Mills University Studies High School, 1205 East Dixon Road, in Little Rock, in the Commons Area.

Faculty and counselors will be present to advise students in their course selection for the 2013-14 school year, and assist them and their parents in completing the registration process.

You can also register online.