A new partnership between local schools and a major employer will help more Sioux Falls students advance their education after high school.

Smithfield Foods, the parent company of Sioux Falls' John Morrell plant, is teaming up with Southeast Technical Institute and the Sioux Falls school district to create a program that will help 25 students in the district each year get head a head start on, and pay for, education after high school.

The "Learners to Leaders" program will allow a handful of Sioux Falls students graduate high school with half of their associate degree already completed. 

“It's the first time we've ever opened the door for high school students to simultaneously be working for their degree from Southeast Technical Institute,” said Superintendent Pam Homan. 

Homan helped unveil the program Tuesday afternoon. She says it'll target students who are having trouble in school and who may have given up on continuing education after high school. 

“And many times these students don't see the hope of a future, and may drop out of high school, so we're excited to open the door for those students,” she said. 

High school seniors will take business administration courses at Southeast Tech while working to finish their high school classes. Some courses will overlap to make that possible. Dennis Treacy is a vice president with Smithfield Foods. 

“We're committed to the community, we're committed to our employees and we have education programs for both,” Treacy said. 

Smithfield has promised to give the district $128,000 to start the program, and give continued support in future years. 

“The more who are trained in business, the more people who come through the education system, the more chance we are going to have to recruit qualified students in the future,” Treacy said. 

Smithfield’s donation will cover all costs associated with the students’ first year at Southeast Tech. The second year will be the responsibility of the student. Treacy says it won't bother Smithfield if none of the students the company helps actually end up working for Morrell; he says its more about investing in the community.

High school juniors who qualify for the program will be identified by March. If they choose to participate, they'll be enrolled in a summer program. Classes will continue through their senior year.