ASU Dual Enrollment Students to Be Honored

 

By Hazel Scott/ASU

 

 Dual enrollment students Taylor Benefield, Vaniyah Cleveland, Lizbeth Ocana, Shy’won Palmer, Sean Hicks and Devion   Madison will be recognized during a special Dual Enrollment ceremony at Alabama State University’s Honors Convocation on  Friday, April 19, at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

 

 

The five students earned college credits before graduating high school as part of ASU’s Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit initiative.

They decided to enroll in the ASU Dual Enrollment program because they liked the thought of taking college classes while still in high school and saving some money to boot.

“I wanted to get ahead of the game and obtain some credit hours so that I would be closer to starting my career," said Benefield, a Pike Road High School student. “I have participated in three dual enrollment classes in the last two years, which will lead to my major in Business Management at ASU along with my minor in Accounting.”

From left, top row: Sean Hicks and Vaniyah Cleveland. From left, bottom row: Shy'won Palmer, Taylor Benefield and Lizbeth Ocana 

 

Vaniyah Cleveland, a senior at Prattville High School, said she originally chose to enroll in ASU’s Dual Enrollment classes “to get a jump-start on her college education and to help defer the costs associated with a college degree.” After graduation, Cleveland plans to attend ASU.

For Ocana, a student at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, enrolling in the Dual Enrollment program at ASU was the logical thing to do.

“It makes sense. I had watched others take classes through the Dual Enrollment program and realized what an advantage it gave them, so I wanted to do it as well,” Ocana said. “I’ve completed six dual enrollment classes.”

Ocana plans to continue her studies at Alabama State University in the fall and major in Criminal Justice. “My ultimate goal is to become a Forensic Psychologist.”

Palmer, who attends Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, said “Dual Enrollment at Alabama State University opened my eyes to the college experience. I have completed three dual enrollment classes and plan to major in Business Management once I graduate.”

Hicks, a Leeds High senior, said he is honored to be recognized on Friday. “I’m looking forward to embracing the vibrant campus life at an HBCU and contributing to its rich community.”

Hicks is excited about the prospect of majoring in either Business or Engineering. “I am eager to explore new opportunities and build a future filled with success and innovation.”

ASU’s Dual Enrollment Coordinator Shannon Burton pointed out that Dual Enrollment is such a great program for students because it allows them to take academic degree-level core courses that will transfer to any college or university. “The Dual Enrollment program helps students jump-start their careers while in high school. We hope that other high school students will take notice and realize that they can do this too.”

Dual Enrollment

ASU’s Dual Enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits while still being enrolled in high school. Dual Enrollment also provides students with the opportunity to build academic confidence. Any eligible student may obtain Dual Enrollment credit at Alabama State University; however, dual credit (students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously) is restricted to high schools that have a signed agreement with Alabama State University.