Two Alabama Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Miles College and Drake State Community & Technical College, have signed a historic agreement that will provide students a pathway toward earning a bachelor’s degree.

The new partnership agreement was signed by the institutions’ presidents on Tuesday at Miles College.

How the Agreement Works

The partnership links Miles College, a prestigious liberal arts four-year college with Drake State, a 2-year community college that is closely connected with Huntsville’s fast-growing high-tech aerospace and defense industry.

The agreement between the two institutions include four components:

Collaborative and seamless transfer process between the two schools
Scholarship eligibility
Reverse transfer credit
Student services

Drake State Community & Technical College students will be considered for admission to Miles College after earning an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science with up to a maximum of 64 semester hours transferring.

In the meantime, they will have reciprocal privileges, enabling them to use Miles College’s Library Resource Center, College and Career Center and admission to athletic events. There are also opportunities for advising from both Drake State Community & Technical College and Miles College.

No More Barriers

After signing the agreement, Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims described in her statement how the new partnership is a game-changer for both colleges.

“Drake State and Miles College give students from underserved and marginalized communities a chance to succeed. We are honoring our commitment to equitably level the playing field while encouraging students to pursue their educational goals beyond an associate degree. No more barriers. This agreement enables students to seamlessly transfer credits between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”

Bobbie Knight, President of Miles College agreed:

“As we continue to create these meaningful partnerships I am excited for the future of our students and Miles College. We should be building our enrollment at every institution in the state as we have to ensure we are preparing our students for this society. We are delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding with Drake State Community & Technical College and look forward to the partnership ahead.”

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