Students at Florida A&M University Developmental Research School adjust to college life.
Photo Courtesy of FAMU DRS.
Dual enrolled students are held to the same standards as a full-time college student. They are required to balance a part-time college class load, high school classes, as well as other high school extra-curricular activities.
Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (DRS) junior Ashley Reddick is one of the many dual-enrolled students adjusting to the work.
“I never knew that college was this much work,” Reddick explained. “I have to balance college life on top of being a student-athlete. I will say that it is definitely preparing me to be more organized and not procrastinate.”
To be eligible to dual enroll at FAMU, the student must be currently enrolled in a secondary school operated by Leon or Gadsden County School Board. The student must possess a grade point average of 3.0 or better, appropriate test scores, and be classified as a high school junior or senior.
Students will be enrolled at no cost to either the student or the district. To remain eligible, the student must obtain a 2.0 grade point average in university coursework.
As a dual enrolled student, there is access to all of campus life and to see what being at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is not what you see on the television.
It takes dedication and commitment to be a successful dual enrolled student. The students have access to the libraries, options to make college friends, access to the homecoming festivities with their Rattler Cards.
Dual enrollment Advisor at FAMU DRS Carrie Harrington encourages students to become dual enrolled at the university.
“We make sure to give them the tools to succeed and successfully go through dual enrollment and hopefully will continue their education at the university after graduating high school. My door is always open for my students and they know that. I want them to succeed. Only the ones who buckle down and actually apply themselves will be the ones successful in the end.”
Dual enrollment students count for about twenty percent of the student population and they are making their mark by contributing to the student retention rate by actually going to class, making the grades and successfully completing their Associates Degree or finishing through to their Bachelor's program.
FAMU DRS senior Zoie Hines said she enjoyed the challenge that being a dual enrolled student brings.
“I love the fact that I get treated as a college student and not a high school student, the professors do not take it easy on me because I am in high school,” expressed Hines.” Being a senior put everything in perspective for me on whether I would like to finish out my remaining two years or not. I am just so thankful for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people.”
FAMU dual enrollment student rates plan to increase with the best of the brightest from Leon and Gadsden County. FAMU wants to create an environment for high school students to feel like college students also while giving them the tools to succeed in every area of academic life.