Santa Fe College will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its High School Dual Enrollment (HSDE) program on Monday, Sept. 30.
The event, which was a pioneering initiative that has supported thousands of students since 1974, will run from 2 to 3 p.m. in R-001 on the Northwest Campus (3000 NW 83rd St.) in Gainesville.
The Santa Fe College community, K-12 partners and former students and families are invited to attend the event that will feature remarks, refreshments and reflections on the program’s 50-year impact.
“As one of the oldest programs in the country,” said Jen Homard, SF’s Executive Director of Secondary Programs, in a press release. “SF has helped more than 30,000 students begin their collegiate career, whether it be on an academic or career technical pathway. The savings to the students and their families, as well as guidance provided by the program in navigating the college experience, is invaluable.”
The HSDE program, established through an articulation agreement between the Santa Fe College’s Board of Trustees and the School Board of Alachua County, allows high school students to earn college credits while in high school. The program gives students an early start on career and academic goals.
HSDE was started as a Career and Technical program for a few dozen Alachua County high school seniors. After 50 years, the program now serves more than 1,000 students annually from 25 private schools, 12 surrounding school districts and more than 100 homeschool students, ranging from sixth through 12th grades.
According to SF’s press release, “477 seniors participated in the program in spring 2024 with graduates heading to over 100 different colleges and universities, joining the military, or entering the local workforce. Collectively, these students earned 71 Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees and certificates, along with 16,403 college credits. The program has also saved students and their families more than $2 million in tuition, textbooks and materials.”
Truly a superb program. 18 yrs ago my daughter participated and graduated with the HS diploma and 90 hrs toward her AS. She then went into the Army and eventually got the BS and MBA via GI Bill. Best use of my tax dollars ever and no student debt. The dual enrollment is so understated but really works well for mature and motivated students.
Self correction: I should have said 45 semester hours (not 90).Sorry!
As a former SF Dual Enrollment student, the program gave me the opportunity to get my Associates degree before I would have even graduated high school. I went on to get another AS and returned to SF for my BAS. The professors at Santa Fe did a great job of helping me get set up for success as a new college student. The Dual Enrollment program is incredible!