Keyara Lindsey, a senior at Macon County High School, began taking Dual Enrollment courses in criminal justice at South Georgia Technical College as a sophomore, and she will graduate from high school and SGTC this May. Her high school counselors encouraged her to enroll early to get a head start on her education and career goals.
“They said it would be easier when I go to college, and I would be ahead of everybody else,” Lindsey said, “so that’s what made me start taking classes.”
Lindsey chose the criminal justice program as a first step toward a career as a crime scene investigator. She praised instructor Teresa McCook for her guidance as well as the experiential learning aspect of the program. “The hands-on activities that Ms. McCook helped me with that we did in class – that’s what made me really like it even more,” Lindsey said.
“Keyara has been an exceptional student to have in our criminal justice program,” McCook said. “She has worked so hard to achieve her diploma from SGTC all while graduating with her high school diploma.”
As she continued her course work for both high school and South Georgia Tech, Lindsey also had to complete 135 hours of field experience for the criminal justice program. “We were able to place her with the Montezuma Police Department and they have done a great job in showing her many different opportunities as an intern,” McCook stated. “She has gained valuable experience in her field while with them this semester.”
Lindsey’s mother, Rashida Green Jenkins, herself a graduate of South Georgia Technical College, believes the Dual Enrollment program was a positive step for Lindsey, and she feels many students would benefit from the experience. “I would tell them to go ahead and get the experience early -- different hands-on experience, different knowledge -- and I think kids should experience that in high school versus waiting until they’re out.”
The Dual Enrollment program allows students to take occupational and career courses that help them get a head start on an exciting, in-demand career. High School students can make the most of their time while saving money and being better prepared for their future.
Students interested in the Dual Enrollment Program must first contact their high school counselor to participate in the program. The dual enrollment team at SGTC can also provide any information needed to enroll. Contact Brittny Wright-McGrady at (229) 931-2866 or brittny.wright-mcgrady@southgatech.edu to learn more.
South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs in a variety of fields. Summer semester begins May 23, so apply now at www.southgatech.edu and earn 16 weeks of credit in just eight weeks.