MMA's 2019-20 College Triumph Program Launches in Partnership with William Woods University

When classes for the fall 2019 semester began last week at William Woods University (WWU), among the new students on campus included high school students looking to get a jump on their college education through a unique partnership with Missouri Military Academy (MMA)

Twenty-two MMA cadets are taking college courses this fall while still high school students under a partnership between William Woods and MMA called the Triumph Program. Through the program, qualifying cadets can finish high school with one year of college or even earn their associate degree at the same time they earn their high school diploma. William Woods instructors teach select Triumph Program college classes to cadets on the Academy’s campus in Mexico, Missouri. Cadets are also traveling to Fulton this fall to take select classes at WWU’s main campus. Below, Cadet John English from St. Louis, Missouri, takes notes during a class at William Woods.

 “We are proud to partner with MMA in offering the Triumph Program, which provides a great opportunity for student cadets to learn the self-discipline it takes to perform academically at the college level – while still in high school,” said Scott Zimmerman, Instructor of Leadership and Military Studies at William Woods. “Students get to in effect start their college career while still in high school – under the instruction of our quality faculty at William Woods.”

Starting their college careers while still in high school allows students to save time and money, as MMA college courses reduce their cost and time in college, post-high school. Courses offered include Calculus, College Algebra, English Composition, Speech and History. By participating in the Triumph Program, cadets demonstrate to top colleges and universities their ability to complete and master college-level work.

“Our goal is to help young men take command of their futures, and the Triumph Program gives them a unique opportunity to reach their full academic potential beyond traditional dual-credit classes,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “Our cadets learn and earn college credit through a true college academic experience by directly interacting with William Woods faculty, and we are proud to provide qualified cadets the potential to earn their associate degrees at the same time they graduate from MMA.”

The Triumph Program is another example of William Woods’ proud status as an official Military Friendly university. Cost, support services, career services, and flexibility – all hallmarks of the WWU experience – are among the most important factors in college decision making for veterans. William Woods’ online and part-time study options, as well as the freedom to start and stop as needed, provides the flexibility students need to finish their degrees as their schedule allows.

In addition, William Woods is one of five universities in the state of Missouri to offer the Show-Me Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program, which trains and provides commissioned officers for the Missouri Army National Guard.