Frenship ISD and Angelo State University cemented their valued relationship by committing to accomplish their recent history with an extension of ASU’s Presidential Scholars Dual Credit Program available for Frenship High School students again in 2016-2017.
The Presidential Scholars Dual Credit Program provides dual-credit opportunities at no cost to students, parents, or the school district. All FHS sophomores, juniors and seniors can enroll in a dual-credit course offered by ASU and simultaneously earn college and high school credit for the same course.
The recommendation to continue the partnership was presented by FISD administration to the Board of Trustees during their monthly meeting Monday night. The recommendation was approved by unanimous vote.
In the first year of the partnership during 2015-2016, 1,108 FHS students enrolled in one or more ASU dual credit courses, and by the end of the year they earned a cumulative total 5,803 hours of college credit.
Add to that the scholarships awarded so students could participate at no cost along with the investment in FHS teachers certified to teach the courses, and ASU devoted more than $890,000 into the educational success at FISD.
“This is a game changer for our students,” said Dr. Michelle McCord, FISD Superintendent. “All the way around, it’s just good for kids.”
Dr. Javier Flores, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Angelo State who attended Monday’s Board meeting, expressed the same sentiments.
“The dual credit partnership between Angelo State and Frenship ISD is a huge success,” he said. “We are so pleased to have this partnership and invest into the students here.”
FISD and ASU offered 67 course hours to FHS students last year, but the initial success has two entities planning to offer 103 hours in 2016-17.
Also through the program, FHS students are guaranteed admission to ASU by meeting certain requirements: graduate in the top 10 percent of the class, score a 17 on the ACT and are in the top half of their class, or complete six dual credit hours through ASU with a 3.0 or better average.
“I hope more students who may not have taken dual credit in the past because of the cost will choose to take a dual credit course,” added Bonnie Thompson, College Readiness Coordinator at FHS. “This is a great opportunity for students to try a college level course and still have the support structure of being in high school. Whatever the path a student takes, the program is a great benefit for students and parents saving for college.”
