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The Thomaston-Upson School System is pleased to announce the establishment of the Upson-Lee High School (ULHS) and Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) Dual Enrollment initiative for the fall of 2013. This initiative will allow qualified ULHS juniors and seniors to take college-level courses at SCTC and earn high school and college credits simultaneously, providing them with a head start on their post-secondary education while still in high school.

There will be a parent/student dual enrollment meeting at Upson-Lee High School on Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium. Southern Crescent Technical College personnel will present an overview of the courses of study being offered to dual enrollment students. Chamber of Commerce and local business and industry leaders will offer insight as to why dual enrollment is advantageous to both students and local industry. ULHS and SCTC personnel will be available to answer questions and provide additional information about dual enrollment.

ULHS Principal Tracy Caldwell stated, “The dual enrollment initiative is an exciting opportunity for our students. It is crucial that schools make education relevant to today’s global economy and provide young people with the knowledge and the skills necessary to be competitive and successful both in post-secondary education and in the workforce. Dual enrollment will open new and exciting post-secondary and career options for our students.”

Students electing to participate in the ULHS/SCTC dual enrollment program will attend classes on the SCTC Flint River campus in Thomaston. The classes will be taught by college instructors utilizing college curriculum and text materials. Students will be released from the high school for two periods a day, in order to attend college courses. Transportation to and from SCTC will be provided by the T-U Transportation Department.

Students in the dual enrollment program will earn tuition-free college credit for college courses. Funding for the courses is available through the HOPE Grant and Southern Crescent Technical College. SCTC is also waiving all fees for students participating in the dual enrollment program. An added benefit to students and parents is that any HOPE funds used by a high school student in a dual enrollment program do not count against the HOPE lifetime cap on semester hours attempted.

Steve Daniel, Provost at Southern Crescent Technical College stated, “Southern Crescent Technical College is pleased to serve as a partner with Upson Lee High School on this dual enrollment initiative. An educated workforce is critical for economic development, and this initiative will ensure that ULHS students are ready to meet this challenge as they prepare for tomorrow’s careers. This is exciting news for our community and I am so proud of this partnership that will further promote a seamless pathway into higher education for ULHS students.”

During the 2013-14 school year, courses of study being offered to ULHS/SCTC dual enrollment students will include electronics, automotive, cosmetology, business administration (small business management), and welding. In order to participate in dual enrollment, a student must be at least 16 years old; be a junior or senior in high school; and have a 2.0 or better GPA. Prior to registering for dual enrollment courses, a student must take the COMPASS test, a computerized test that measures skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The COMPASS test will be administered at ULHS.

5 Steps for Participating in Dual Enrollment:

Attend the parent/student dual enrollment meeting on Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at Upson-Lee High School.

Speak to your school counselor about your interest in dual enrollment.

Meet the testing requirements (COMPASS test can be taken at ULHS).

Complete a Southern Crescent Technical College Application.

Sign up for your college courses.

5 Reasons to Choose Dual Enrollment:

Get a head start on post-secondary education by taking college courses while still in high school.

Earn both high school and college credit for dual enrollment courses.

College tuition is free with the HOPE Grant.

HOPE funds used for dual enrollment do not count against the HOPE semester hours cap.

Explore post-secondary and/or career interests prior to high school graduation.