Albany State dual enrolled students graduate with degree, high school diploma
By Kourtney King
ALBANY – Albany State University (ASU) graduated 41 dual enrolled students at the 2019 Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11. All 41 students will receive a two-year degree and a high school diploma this May.
The dual enrollment program at Albany State University allows high school students to enroll at the institution and earn credits toward high school and college graduation requirements. Yomeda Martinez, D’Amber Butts, Jalen Williams, and Meagan Jackson will receive their high school diplomas on Friday, May 17 from Mitchell County High school.
Martinez said she was motived to participate in the dual enrollment program because of the opportunity it would provide.
“Just knowing that I have the opportunity to be young and graduate with such an important degree, motivated me and also my parents,” Martinez said.
The accomplishment of graduating with a high school diploma and college degree is one, she said, that makes her family proud.
“They’re very proud of me. My parents are Mexican, and I will be the first one in my family to graduate with so many certificates and from a university. It’s a pretty big deal,” Martinez said.
After receiving her degree and diploma, Martinez plans to continue her education and eventually pursue a career as a dental hygienist.
Students who participate in the program can save both time and money with flexible scheduling opportunities and covered tuition and expenses. Butts was motivated to participate in the dual enrollment program because of the opportunity to save money on colleges costs. After attaining her college degree and high school diploma, she plans to pursue another degree at ASU.
“After graduation, I am going to continue at Albany State for one year and a semester and receive my undergraduate degree in psychology,” Butts said.
Students who graduate from the dual enrollment program feel more prepared for their future college careers.
“I just want to put myself in the best position possible to prepare myself for college," Williams said. “I feel like this program will better position me for success."
Williams, who intends to pursue engineering, also plans to continue his education at Albany State University.
Jackson said the dual enrollment is hard work, but it’s worth it.
“Dual enrollment has benefitted my life by showing me college is no place to play around. If you really want that degree you need to work for it,” Jackson said.
The students said they plan to celebrate their accomplishments with get-togethers, dinners and relaxation.
For more information about ASU’s dual enrollment program, visit www.asurams.edu.
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Kourtney King is a student intern in the Office of University Marketing and Communications at Albany State University.
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