Congratulating the South Texas College Dual Enrollment Academies program on being named a 2014 Examples of Excelencia finalist.
The Dual Enrollment Academies program allows high school students to simultaneously earn an associate's degree by participating in college-level courses while completing their high school education. Initiated with academies focusing on Medical Science and Engineering, the program has expanded to include other fields such as Computer Science and Criminal Justice. This innovative approach serves to prepare students for advanced careers and significantly boosts their academic achievements.
Senate Resolution 527 congratulates the South Texas College Dual Enrollment Academies program for being named a finalist in the 2014 Examples of Excelencia initiative by Excelencia in Education. This national nonprofit organization recognizes programs that effectively enhance enrollment, performance, and graduation rates for Latino college students. The resolution highlights the program's significant contributions to education in Texas, particularly for high school students aspiring to pursue higher education.
The resolution emphasizes the support and resources provided by faculty and staff, including mentorships and scholarships amounting to over $11.9 million since 2008. Additionally, several students have received prestigious awards such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship. While the resolution does not highlight any specific points of contention, it underscores the importance of such programs in fostering educational success among Latino students, a demographic that often faces barriers in attaining higher education.