Officials from both institutions met recently to work out details of an agreement that will make it easier for Clinton graduates to continue their education at Livingstone. Clinton, as a junior college, has a two-year program, while Livingstone has a four-year program.

Under the new agreement, programs will be aligned to ensure easy transfer of credits from one school to the other. The agreement also will allow the schools to share recruits.

Some applicants, for example, might not meet the admission requirements for Livingstone, whose current enrollment is 946 students. But Livingstone officials will recommend that students who show promise attend Clinton, where they can receive personalized attention to prepare them for their final two years at Livingstone.

While Clinton has similar agreements with other schools, President Elaine Copeland said this one will be special because both Clinton and Livingstone are affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Both also are smaller, historically black schools that pride themselves on nurturing students.

This arrangement is likely to help Clinton attract a broader range of students, including many with a desire to pursue a four-year college program. It also should enhance Clinton's credentials as an institution of higher learning.

We congratulate both schools for pursuing this partnership and hope it thrives.