Gov. Nathan Deal this week signed a bill sponsored by Habersham State Senator John Wilkinson that allows high school students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma as they work toward a technical college or associate’s degree.
Deal signed Wilkinson’s Senate Bill 2 along with SB 132 and says both will “streamline” the dual enrollment process for students. Part of that includes allowing “work based learning” to qualify a student for high school graduation. “Since taking office, one of my top priorities has been preparing students to enter the workforce with the skills and tools necessary for them to succeed,” Deal said. “There are currently jobs that require highly skilled technical workers that remain unfilled.”
Dual enrollment is growing in popularity locally at North Georgia Technical College, “We’ve seen a steady increase of students becoming dual enrolled,” said Kallan Williams, Director of Student Navigation and Retention Services at NGTC. “In 2010 we had just over 30 students, and this year we were over 200.”
Along with the occupational programs, NGTC offers 27 college core classes that transfer to the University System of Georgia. High school students can get a jump on required college classes like English Literature and College Algebra.
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle was pushing for passage of both bills, “One of the most important challenges facing our state is preparing students to succeed in the 21st century global economy,” Cagle said. “I appreciate Governor Deal’s support of this initiative as well as the near unanimous endorsement of the Georgia General Assembly. Together, we will continue to build the top workforce and lead our state to prosperity for generations to come.”
There is also a built-in savings for parents because 100% of tuition is covered. At some colleges, books and fees are covered too meaning minimal out of pocket expense for the student. Students and parents interested in taking advantage of dual enrollment should contact their schools’ guidance counselor to learn more about the options available.
