LORMAN — Alcorn State University and the Mississippi National Guard are partnering on an initiative that would provide free tuition to eligible members of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. 

The university and the Mississippi National Guard signed the agreement Wednesday to officially begin their collaboration on the Braves Free Tuition Program.

The program aims to provide a unique benefit to the service members, resulting in an increase in National Guard ascensions, higher retention rates across the force and increasing the National Guard student population on campus.

“When I think of the brave soldiers that suit up to defend our nation, it gives me great joy to know that we have men and women willing to protect us at all costs,” Alcorn State President Felecia M. Nave said. “Their bravery is unmatched, and we at Alcorn appreciate all that they do for the United States of America. Their commitment to service is what inspired Alcorn State University’s latest collaboration with the Mississippi National Guard to form the Braves Free Tuition Program.

“We want to make sure that opportunities exist for our young people in the state so that we can not only mold them but also encourage them to give back to their state with their expertise,” she said. “Things are changing in Mississippi, and we want our young talented adults to be a part of that change by pushing the state into the future.”

Maj. Gen. Janson Boyal, the Adjutant General of Mississippi, said he is looking forward to helping Alcorn become a bigger presence in recruiting students interested in taking advantage of the program.

“These men and women are remarkable, so anything that we can do for them is an effort we need to foresee,” Boyal said. “It’s incumbent upon us to provide anyone a pathway to success. Alcorn can now compete on an even playing field to recruit students from across other states in our region. We look forward to building your population. Alcorn is a great place to have this program.”

Cleveland Allison Jr., a junior chemistry major from Hermanville, and a cadet in Alcorn’s Army ROTC program said the program funds will aid students as they try to progress through school without financial barriers.

“This program will be beneficial to students because it will eliminate financial stress and allow students to focus solely on school,” Allison said. “Also, it would allow students to save money and use it on other academic necessities.”