Bibb County, Georgia, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Bibb County, Georgia, is enhancing educational opportunities for high school students with an expanded dual enrollment program. This initiative allows students to earn college credits at various institutions outside Central Georgia. Currently, 60 enthusiastic participants are taking advantage of this innovative opportunity. The program aims to align students with their educational ambitions by enabling access to respected colleges and covering certain costs associated with outside classes. Additionally, Monroe County has launched a new educational facility, further highlighting the region’s commitment to enhancing workforce readiness and educational success.
Bibb County Expands Dual Enrollment Program
Bibb County, Georgia is buzzing with excitement as the Bibb County School District has just announced an expansion of its dual enrollment program for high school students. This innovative initiative allows students to take college courses at universities located outside Central Georgia, giving them a fantastic chance to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. Currently, an enthusiastic group of 60 students are taking full advantage of this expanded dual enrollment program.
Student Experiences and Opportunities
One shining star of this program is Southwest High School senior Destiny Curry. Destiny has proudly enrolled at both Spelman College and Central Georgia Technical College. She describes her experience as fulfilling, as it has not only helped her complete essential core college classes but has also given her a taste of the college environment she aspires to be a part of. With Georgia’s initiative allowing high school students to take up to 30 credit hours tuition-free, it’s no wonder that students like Destiny are motivated to pursue their educational goals.
The Bibb County School District is doing its part by covering some of the costs associated with classes taken outside the standard curriculum. This makes participating in the dual enrollment program even more accessible for many students. To ensure that the program aligns with students’ interests and ambitions, the district conducted a survey to identify which colleges students wanted to attend. This effort has led to partnerships with a variety of respected institutions which currently include:
- Central Georgia Technical College
- Wesleyan College
- Fort Valley State University
- Middle Georgia State University
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Spelman College (National Equity Lab)
- University of Pennsylvania (National Equity Lab)
- Georgia Military College
Strategic Planning for Future Education
The expanded dual enrollment program is a key component of the district’s strategic plan aiming to effectively align students with appropriate post-secondary programs. The executive director of Bibb’s College and Career Academy emphasized that providing students with choices for their future education is crucial in today’s world.
Monroe County Launches New Educational Facility
In related news, Monroe County has recently opened its new Mary Persons High School Freshman Campus and College and Career Academy complex. Valued at over $22.8 million, this new facility has been designed to tackle the challenges of an increasing student population. The previous freshman campus, which was built back in 1969, was in desperate need of upgrades.
The new complex, which spans 76,000 square feet, features a dedicated freshman wing and a College and Career Academy wing capable of accommodating up to 1,380 students. The campus offers a plethora of programs, including dual enrollment courses for juniors and seniors, instructed by local college educators. With nearly two dozen Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways available—ranging from welding to sports medicine and carpentry—students have numerous options to explore their interests and potential career paths.
This new campus is expected to enhance accessibility to face-to-face dual enrollment programs, especially for students who may encounter transportation challenges. The local government has recognized the significant impact of such facilities on improving workforce readiness among students.
The Monroe County Schools received a substantial $3.1 million state grant for the College and Career Academy, alongside additional funding derived from the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST). District leaders are zeroing in on developing students’ skills to prepare them for high-demand careers and higher education opportunities.
Conclusion
With programs like these taking shape, it’s clear that both Bibb and Monroe County are committed to paving the way for students’ success in their educational journeys. These initiatives are not just about attending school; they’re about preparing students for a bright future, one class at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the dual enrollment program in Bibb County?
The dual enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses at universities outside Central Georgia while remaining enrolled in high school.
How many students are currently participating in the expanded dual enrollment program?
Currently, 60 students are participating in the expanded dual enrollment program.
Which colleges can students enroll in through the dual enrollment program?
Current partners in the program include Central Georgia Technical College, Wesleyan College, Fort Valley State University, Middle Georgia State University, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Spelman College (National Equity Lab), University of Pennsylvania (National Equity Lab), and Georgia Military College.
How many credit hours can high school students take tuition-free in Georgia?
High school students can take up to 30 credit hours tuition-free in Georgia.
What is the new facility opened in Monroe County?
The new Mary Persons High School Freshman Campus and College and Career Academy complex, valued over $22.8 million, is a facility designed to accommodate an increasing student population and includes various programs, including dual enrollment courses.
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Additional Resources
- 13WMAZ: Bibb Schools Expand Dual Enrollment
- Wikipedia: Dual Enrollment
- Macon.com: Bibb County Schools News
- Google Search: Educational Facilities Programs Georgia
- 41NBC: Bibb County 2025 Valedictorians
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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