Contact: Chris Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503

FORCED CUTS TO DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS COSTLY TO STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY

November 8, 2001 – Families who have a difficult time paying for college will face an even tougher time finding the money for higher education if cuts are mandated to Arizona’s dual enrollment program. However, the greatest impact could be on students.

Currently, 11,000 students in Maricopa County are taking advantage of a state law that allows them to earn high school and college credits simultaneously for only the cost of community college tuition. Under a proposal by Governor Jane Hull, the dual enrollment program funding would be cut by 80-percent. The cuts are in addition to the 4-percent overall budget cuts the Governor is seeking. If funding is slashed, colleges that offer the programs, and high schools which utilize them, could be pressured into eliminating dual enrollment.

“Educational opportunity is what’s at stake,” according to Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Fred Gaskin. “Many of these students wouldn’t be given the chance to pursue a higher education without this program. Ending dual enrollment is simply a bad idea all around.” Whether otherwise restrained by affordability, awareness or self-confidence, thousands of students each year are earning college credits through the dual enrollment program, saving Arizona families hundreds of thousands of dollars in university tuition.

“We need to find ways to help students finish high school and encourage them to go on to college,” according to Dr. Anna Solley, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Development. “Dual enrollment increases the number of students going to college, which creates a more educated community.”

Hundreds of courses are offered through dual enrollment at 67 public high schools and 10 charter schools in Maricopa County. The programs are designed to challenge gifted students, provide incentive to continue learning and help provide career options to at-risk teens. Dual enrollment courses can also help students graduate from college faster. All courses are college level curriculum, taught by certified community college instructors.

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves roughly a quarter million students annually. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu

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March 13, 2002