This week I participated in some of Dalton State College’s Homecoming festivities, including a downtown parade and pep rally at Burr Park. The enthusiasm and community support reminded me of how post-high school educational opportunities have expanded over the years.
My mother was the first in her family to attend college and was a member of the first graduating class at Dalton Junior College in 1969. In 1996, I graduated with an associate’s degree from the newly renamed Dalton College. By the time my youngest daughter graduated high school in 2014, she had earned nearly two years of college credit through Dalton State College’s dual enrollment program. Although we all went on to attain higher degrees at other institutions, three generations of my family agree that DSC provided a solid academic foundation on which to build. Dalton State has evolved into a first choice for college rather than the entry point to higher education it was once perceived to be. Enrollment rates far exceed the early days, and DSC now offers more bachelor’s degrees than associate’s degrees.
Currently, Whitfield County Schools students have multiple ways to earn college credits before graduating from high school. In addition to our partnership with Dalton State, we offer dual enrollment through Georgia Northwestern Technical College, which is conveniently located next to our Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy campus. Students can also enroll in Advanced Placement classes at their home high schools.
Additionally, the Accelerated Diploma option allows high school students interested in a career technical pathway to enroll at Georgia Northwestern after completing their required core academic courses at their home high schools or our Career Academy. Accelerated Diploma students are eligible for high school graduation after completing two technical college career pathway certifications. These opportunities allow high school students to continue their college career or provide them with immediate benefits when entering the workforce after graduation. More importantly, these college credits are offered at no cost, giving students an academic and financial head start on their future plans.
One initiative that focuses on the importance of postsecondary work is EdQuest Georgia, which aims for 65% of all adults aged 25 to 64 to achieve a postsecondary credential by 2033. Credentials may include a college diploma or a technical college certificate. Geared toward helping our community achieve and even exceed this vision, the Whitfield County Schools Strategic Plan is closely aligned with the EdQuest framework. The framework consists of foundations of learning, quality teaching, quality leadership, supportive learning environments, adequate and equitable funding, and clear pathways to postsecondary success. Our strategic plan addresses each of these elements, along with measurable goals and objectives.
To support our mutual goals, the presidents of both colleges, the superintendent of Dalton Public Schools and I meet regularly to discuss opportunities that may benefit high school and college students in our community and this region. The conversations often lead to innovative ideas and solutions that bolster college and career readiness as well as postsecondary education. This partnership ultimately impacts the quality of our local workforce and boosts post-high school education.
I encourage you to get involved and attend Dalton State’s Homecoming events. By doing so, you will show support for our community’s higher education institutions. We should never take for granted educational opportunities that make us the model for many other communities and elevate our quality of life.
Mike Ewton is superintendent of Whitfield County Schools.