Dual enrollment classes are Volunteer State Community College courses held in local high schools, online or on the college’s campuses, so that high school juniors and seniors can get both high school and college credit at the same time. It gives students a jump start on their college career. A new program just announced by Vol State now makes it possible for many high school students to get up to four college classes for free thanks to a last dollar scholarship. The general education courses can transfer to universities and colleges across the country. Students can take Vol State dual enrollment classes at high schools in Davidson, Robertson, Sumner, Wilson, Macon, Trousdale, Putnam, Overton, Pickett, Smith, Jackson and Clay counties.
“We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to the students in our entire service area,” said Vol State president, Dr. Jerry Faulkner. “The head start that students gain from dual enrollment sets them on a path for success. It enhances their ability to benefit from the TnPromise program once they finish high school.
Students must apply for the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant program, which provides grant money for high school students taking dual enrollment classes. Vol State will now cover tuition costs not covered in the Dual Enrollment grant, so that many students can take four classes for free.
Vol State dual enrollment classes are college-level courses. The class size is limited to make sure high school students get the attention they need. Students do have to be ready for college-level academic work and maintain a 2.75 GPA in the college classes. Students are limited in funding from the grant to two dual enrollment classes per semester. Scholarships for high school seniors, who have previously taken dual enrollment courses, will be handled individually, based on current scholarship guidelines.
The revised dual enrollment grant funding amounts will begin in the fall semester of 2015. High school students should meet with their school counselors to determine the process for enrolling in Vol State dual enrollment courses and applying for the dual enrollment grant. For more information students and parents can also call the Vol State Dual Enrollment Office at 615-230-374
In addition to the high school classes, Vol State has two service locations in the Upper Cumberland: Vol State at Livingston, located at 113 Windle Community Road and the Cookeville Higher Education Campus at 1000 Neal Street.