Grambling State University, Grambling High Foundation, Inc., and Lincoln Preparatory School formally signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding Monday, Nov. 9, advancing a strategic partnership focused on student success, college and career readiness, educator development and expanded pathways to opportunity.
The signing ceremony, held at the Lincoln Preparatory School Gymnasium, brought together students, educators, University and school leaders, board members and community representatives. The partnership follows approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
Through the agreement, students and educators will gain greater access to University resources, expertise and experiences through dual enrollment, college-readiness programming, teacher residency and educator preparation, professional development, student enrichment and workforce exposure. A joint steering structure and shared performance framework will guide implementation and monitor progress.
“At Lincoln Prep, we believe that a student’s ZIP code should never limit their opportunities or determine their future,” said Crystal Washington, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer/Principal of Lincoln Preparatory School. “This partnership brings us one step closer to making that belief a reality. We are grateful to Grambling State University for the shared vision and are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Executive Director Rashid Young described the signing as an important statement about the future of education in the community.
“Today is a special day not simply because we are signing a Memorandum of Understanding, but because we’re making a statement about the future of education in this community,” Young said. “When institutions work together, our children win. And that is what today is all about.”
Young said the partnership did not begin with the signing, noting that elements of the collaboration are already taking place.
“One of the best examples is the Grambling State University Call Me MiSTER program,” Young said. “Call Me MiSTER is designed to recruit, prepare and support young men who are committed to becoming educators and making a difference in the lives of children.”
As an example, Young pointed to Ja’Deric Talbert, Grambling State University’s first Call Me MiSTER graduate. According to Young, Talbert is now a fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln Preparatory School and mentors two other MiSTER students.
“One young man enters a program designed to develop educators. He becomes a teacher, and now he’s helping develop the next generation of teachers,” Young said. “That’s what institutional partnership looks like. That’s what happens when a university and a local school recognize that they have a shared responsibility to develop talent right here in their own community.”
The agreement also comes as Lincoln Preparatory School marks 10 years since its opening and looks toward its next phase of growth. Young said continued progress will require strong partnerships that expand opportunities for students and educators.
“We cannot accomplish everything we envision by working alone,” Young said. “That’s the kind of educational ecosystem we should be building.”
The partnership is expected to create additional opportunities for Grambling State students to complete clinical experiences, develop professionally and prepare for teaching careers while supporting Lincoln Prep students and educators.
The program also included a Student Leadership Perspective from Natalie Love, Student Council President at Lincoln Preparatory School, and remarks from Kala Burrell-Craft, Ed.D., Dean of the College of Education at Grambling State University. The Grambling State Pep Band and Cheerleaders and the Lincoln Preparatory School Band and Cheerleaders also participated in the ceremony.
Kennedy Jones, President and Board Chair of Grambling High Foundation, Inc., delivered remarks before joining Young and Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle, Jr., D.B.A., for the formal signing.
For Lemelle, the partnership also carries a personal connection. He is a graduate of Grambling Laboratory High School and Grambling State University.
“Grambling State University, founded in 1901 and celebrating 125 years of excellence, started as a mission to prepare educators,” Lemelle said. “As part of that mission today, we continue to ensure that education, teaching and learning are at the core of what we do each and every day.”
Speaking directly to Lincoln Prep students, Lemelle acknowledged that young people who grow up in the Grambling community may sometimes feel they need to leave home to find greater opportunity. He encouraged them to recognize what is possible from where they are.
“You can grow in Grambling,” Lemelle said. “What I want you to remember is that you have the ability to go anywhere from where you start.”
The partnership builds on the longstanding educational connection between Grambling State University and the school community once served by the Grambling Laboratory Schools. Lincoln Preparatory School is an independent public charter school operated by Grambling High Foundation, Inc.
Initial areas of collaboration include college-readiness and ACT preparation, dual enrollment and early exposure to university life, educator preparation and teacher residency opportunities, professional learning, student enrichment, career exploration and workforce experiences.
The work is supported in part by a $10,000 HBCU-K12 exploratory grant from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and $350,000 in legislative appropriations identified to support partnership implementation, subject to applicable funding requirements and institutional approvals.
Through the three-year agreement, Grambling State University and Lincoln Preparatory School will work to strengthen pathways from K-12 education to college and careers while expanding opportunities for students, educators and the broader Grambling community.
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a public historically Black university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Founded in 1901, Grambling State University has a proud legacy of academic excellence, student achievement, athletic tradition and cultural impact. The University offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs that prepare students to lead, serve and succeed in a global society. Grambling State University remains committed to its motto: “Where Everybody is Somebody.” Learn more at gram.edu.
About Lincoln Preparatory School
Lincoln Preparatory School is a public charter school in Grambling, Louisiana, serving students from Pre-K4 through 12th grade. Operated by Grambling High Foundation, Inc., the college-preparatory school is committed to preparing students for postsecondary success through academic instruction, career preparation, dual-enrollment opportunities and community partnerships. Lincoln Prep serves students from across North Louisiana and works to connect students with opportunities in higher education, industry and the broader community. Learn more at lincolnprep.school.