Just coming off of a record-setting semester for dual enrollment, Demopolis High School principal Dr. Isaac Espy Jr. announced that the enrollment process for dual enrollment for the Spring 2009 semester would begin on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Dual enrollment allows juniors and seniors to take classes at Alabama Southern Community College that go towards a college degree.

Students who have been previously admitted to ASCC will meet on Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m. in the DHS auditorium. Those who want to take part in the program but who have not been involved before will have an orientation program at 9 a.m. in the auditorium.

Scholarship funds for students are already available. The Demopolis City Schools Foundation recently announced tuition funding for 13 dual enrollment scholarships, and New Era Cap has committed funding for five more scholarships.

The cost for a three-hour course at ASCC is $270, plus books and applicable course fees.

“We had 27 students last fall,” Espy said of the DHS dual enrollment program. “Last fall, we had 14, and we hope that trend continues. Typically, we’ve had more students in the spring in dual enrollment than we have in the fall.

“With the economy the way it is, and our ability to find scholarship sources, we certainly encourage our parents to take advantage of this opportunity for their students to earn real-live college credit at a real-live college.”

“The program is working very well,” said John Lehning of ASCC. “It gives the students the opportunity to take their courses at the high school with their requirements as well as adding toward the advancement of their degree plan once they get into the college arena.

“We are quite pleased, and we’re hoping that many more students take advantage of dual enrollment. When I was a student, I would be kissing the ground, if you will, to have the opportunity that a lot of students have. I hope that all students realize that it is quite an opportunity to advance and, basically, be a sophomore in college as they graduate from high school. It’s a great opportunity, and I hope that everyone uses that opportunity wisely.”

Students interested in taking part in the dual enrollment program with ASCC can get information in the Demopolis High School office or contact ASCC at 287-0174.