COLUMBUS — Students attending The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science are now eligible to receive a full-tuition academic scholarship to Mississippi University for Women. The perpetual academic scholarship is the first of its kind to be offered to students at MSMS.

Mississippi University for Women General Counsel Karen Clay, who is an alumna of MUW and MSMS, announced the full-tuition scholarship during MSMS’ fall convocation held Monday morning.

“We are proud of our long-standing history of partnering with MSMS and are pleased to award these scholarships to this senior class and those to come. These students can continue to thrive and lead on this campus that is their home,” said University President Nora Miller.

Located on MUW’s campus, MSMS provides an accelerated, immersive curriculum for the state’s gifted and talented 11th and 12th grade students. MSMS has access to its own academic buildings, residence halls and performing arts center. In addition, MSMS students utilize the university’s cafeteria, recreation center, health center and library.

The new scholarship award, titled Power of Six Scholarship, is immediately available to MSMS seniors who complete their application to MUW and covers tuition costs. Recipients of the Power of Six Scholarship are required to live on campus for their first two years.

“I am thrilled to announce our new partnership with The W,” said MSMS Director Ginger Tedder. “This ongoing investment in Mississippi’s brightest students will create lasting positive impacts across the state. We hope this initiative encourages parents to not only consider MSMS for an exceptional high school education but also see it as a pathway to guaranteed, debt-free post-secondary opportunities.”

The Power of Six Scholarship is dedicated to the six inaugural faculty members of MSMS who received undergraduate or graduate degrees from MUW: Linda Bridges, Kathy Cadden, Mary Davidson, Nancy MacNeill, Judy Morris and Helen Perry.

“I am excited for these MSMS students to be offered this scholarship as they start their school year — to come into the start of school, knowing that they don’t have to worry about the cost of college — it’s incredible, and it reflects the investment The W is making in their success,” Clay said. “These students undoubtedly will have many choices, and I hope this generous scholarship from The W entices many to stay in Mississippi and become part of The W’s successful Long Blue Line of alumni.”

Any Mississippi resident who is a current high school sophomore can apply to attend MSMS. The school accepts applications from students who attend public schools, private schools or are homeschooled. MSMS looks for applicants who show a history of outstanding academic achievement, a curiosity about the world around them and the desire to work for what they want to achieve. The Class of 2027 application will open Tuesday, Sept. 3.