Record Dual Enrollment Growth for 2007-08

Over 180 high school juniors and seniors from Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Warren, and Washington counties are taking college courses while they are still in high school at Sandersville Technical College. That is a 48% increase over last year (2006-2007).

Hancock County’s dual enrollment has more than tripled over last year, Glascock County’s dual enrollment has more than doubled over last year, and Warren County began a new welding program this year.

Jefferson County’s dual enrollment numbers increased by 30% over last year which means that almost half (47%) of their senior class is participating in dual enrollment with Sandersville Technical College.

However, Washington County’s dual enrollment numbers have decreased by half. The administration of Sandersville Tech is very concerned about this decrease. Michele Strickland, ECP Manager, encourages all parents and students who are interested in dual enrollment to contact their guidance counselors at the high school. Mrs. Strickland can also be contacted at the college by calling 478-553-2098 or emailing mstrickland@sandersvilletech.edu.

These dual enrollment students are participating in a variety of Technical Certificate of Credit programs at Sandersville Technical College, including Welding, Certified Nursing Assistant, Nail Technician, and Web Site Fundamentals to name a few. In addition, these students are receiving high school credit toward graduation for the classes they are taking from Sandersville Tech instructors. These hard-working students are being prepared for the best jobs in our area.

“There is a great need for postsecondary education for today’s workforce. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that workers with an associate degree can expect to earn almost $200,000 more over a 30-year career than students with only a high school diploma,” points out Mrs. Strickland.

“In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that 90% of the fastest growing occupations within the next decade will require career and technical education like that you can get at Sandersville Tech.

“These dual enrollment students, with the support of their local school systems, parents, and Sandersville Technical College, are planning for the future by expanding the educational opportunities available to them.”

A recent University of Georgia study found that dual enrollment high school students are more prepared than regular high school students in:

• career and life awareness,
• preparation for employment and job skills,
• attitudes towards further education,
• connection between education and careers, and
• preparation for college entry, progress, and success.

In addition to future success in college and in the job market, dual enrollment students are also more likely to complete high school and transition into postsecondary education.

Dual enrollment courses at Sandersville Technical College are made possible through collaboration between the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE).

Coordination for the dual enrollment program is provided by Tech Prep, a nationwide career development program, and ECP-Education and Career Partnership, Georgia’s career development program. Both programs introduce students to various careers and offer them a planned sequence of courses from high school through postsecondary education to help them become qualified for their chosen careers.

(2007, August 24). The Warrenton Clipper, p5.
(2007, August 29). The Sandersville Progress, p1B.
(2007, August 30). The News & Farmer, p5C.

August 20, 2007