By Erica Moore, Weakley County Schools Communications Director
Weakley County, Tenn.–The Tennessee Department of Education designated November 6-11 as the 8th Annual Early Postsecondary Opportunities [EPSO] Week, and Weakley County Schools is spotlighting how these opportunities help prepare students for college and career.
Students in the district can earn postsecondary credit in a variety of ways that include Advanced Placement [AP] classes, State and Local Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit Opportunities, College-Level Exam Program [CLEP], and Industry Certification Programs.
“Our mission in Weakley County is to prepare students, whether that means college or straight to a career,” said Career and Technical Education Director Kandace Jackson. “Through career exploration and the multitude of career readiness initiatives and EPSOs, students can customize their path and plan their own trajectory like never before. Our teachers can support students in a whole new way.”
Burton Rutledge teaches AP Calculus and AP Computer Science at Westview High.
“I’ve found that students enjoy the challenge of AP coursework, and I think it’s a great way to introduce them to the type of courses and expectations that they’ll face in a post-secondary educational environment. It’s a great head start for students,” Rutledge commented.
Dual enrollment and dual credit programs allow students to take college-level courses and, upon successful completion, earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Courses are often online, with the credits earned applied toward both high school graduation as well as future college degree programs.
Jack Wiley, a Senior at Westview, takes Math 210 through dual enrollment with UT Martin. He said that he took History last semester, and next semester, he’ll take Statistics through the program.
“Dual enrollment classes are more challenging, but for students who enjoy a challenge, I’d recommend it. My math skills have improved as a result of taking more difficult courses. Seeing college coursework while still in high school is beneficial for students who are on the fence about whether college is the right fit for them,” Wiley noted.
Peyton Hensley is a Senior who attends Greenfield High. He is participating in the dual enrollment Welding Program through TCAT McKenzie. He plans to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Dylan, also a Greenfield graduate, who is presently going through TCAT’s Welding Program. Peyton is considering pursuing pipeline welding work.
“It feels like a head start to life,” Hensley said. “It’s nice to get started early. My brother is a mentor for me, and after Christmas I’ll be working the program alongside him at TCAT.”
Olivia Jones, Emma Alford, and Anastyn Vujicic are all Seniors at Greenfield High School who are in dual enrollment courses at Bethel University and UT Martin. Jones plans to one day be a realtor, Alford is pursuing Architecture Design/Interior Design, and Vujicic is actively exploring areas of interest.
“It is a great opportunity, and I’m here to tell you that it really helps prepare us as students,” Jones said.
“I agree,” Alford added. “I think it’s important to take classes in areas that you’re interested in because it can really help you to decide whether you want to go forward with a certain focus. Even though it can be stressful, if anyone had the opportunity for dual enrollment, I’d recommend that they take it.”
Vujicic says that dual enrollment courses require responsibility and initiative.
“In high school, the teachers are more lenient. In my dual enrollment courses, it’s not like that. If you fail to see an assignment or forget to turn something in on time, the student is accountable. It has definitely helped to prepare me for what college is like,” Vujicic shared.
The district currently partners with UT Martin, Dyersburg State University, Bethel University, and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology in both McKenzie and Paris to offer students dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities.
“Our amazing partners provide students with opportunities that enable and prepare them for the next step on the career path,” CTE Director Jackson noted. It is a game changing advantage to have the chance to explore an area of interest and gain industry knowledge, all while getting that college and/or high school course credit advantage,” Jackson explained.
In addition to the variety of academic programs areas available, there are dual enrollment programs for Automotive Maintenance and Repair, HVAC, Welding, Machine Technology, Maintenance Technology, Early Childhood Education Careers, Veterinary and Animal Science, and Introduction to Plant Sciences.
CLEP courses allows students who are already proficient in a particular subject area to test out of introductory college courses in that subject. Students can even earn college credit without taking the corresponding college course.
The district also offers the option to enroll in Industry Certification programs through Dyersburg State University and iCEV.
Over 250 students across the district earned Industry Certifications last school year. These programs are designed to prepare students for specific careers by providing knowledge and skills needed to earn industry-recognized certifications in various fields. They often serve as a pathway to career readiness and increased employment opportunities.
“Our community’s industry and business leaders tell us that they want dependable employees who have a solid work ethic,” CTE Director Jackson relayed. “The industry certifications earned by each hardworking student gives them a big advantage on their own path to success.”
Students earned industry certifications in OSHA-10 Construction, Healthcare, Agriculture, Express Employment Professionals Career Preparedness, Southwest Airlines Professional Communications, Financial Responsibility, Personal Financial Literacy, and more.
Regardless of participation in an EPSO program, eligible graduates can receive assistance through the Tennessee Promise scholarship and mentoring program. This statewide program gives high school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college in Tennessee, tuition-free. Ask a high school counselor for additional information about Tennessee Promise.
According to Director of Schools Jeff Cupples, the goal is to connect each student with their purpose to build an individualized, strategic plan for success.
“Weakley County is a special place to live and work. As a school system, we are working hard to make that even better. Students have many options available. With career coaching, available ESPOs, and through our district’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative, we’re guiding students toward the path of their choice. Whether it’s a four-year college, training school, advanced degree, or directly to the workforce – we’re committed to preparing students to find and follow their purpose,” acknowledged Director Cupples.
For more on Weakley County Schools, visit weakleycountyschools.com.
Photo: Sparks fly as Greenfield Senior Peyton Hensley uses the grinder in the Welding dual enrollment program at TCAT McKenzie Dresden campus.
As a bonus, we created a video that helps showcase some of the EPSO opportunities available in our district: https://www.youtube.com/watch?