Principal’s Message:
The Charter System of Georgia offers a special program called the Accelerated Career Diploma which is designed to help high school students start preparing for a career while still in school. As Dublin High School kicks off the annual “Apply to College Week,” November 12 -15, I would like to share with you information about the Accelerated Career Diploma program commonly known as ACD. This unique opportunity is sponsored by the Charter System Foundation of Georgia. The program is designed primarily for those students who have completed a career pathway and are ready to enter the workforce after high school graduation.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ACD program to help parents understand how this works, who can participate, what’s required, and how dual enrollment is available through Dublin High School and Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC). For more information, please contact our guidance counselor, Ms. Jessica Lemon or Ms. Antionekio Madison, the graduation coach.
1. What is the Accelerated Career Diploma?
The Accelerated Career Diploma is a program aimed at giving students practical, career-focused learning opportunities. It's part of the Charter System, which gives school districts in Georgia flexibility to design programs that suit their students’ needs. With this program, students can get a head start on their future careers by taking high school courses that align with college-level courses in specific career fields, especially in technical and vocational areas.
2. Who is Eligible?
Typically, high school juniors and seniors are eligible to participate in the Accelerated Career Diploma program. Students who show interest in pursuing a career in technical fields or specific industries (like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, etc.) are good candidates. They often have to meet certain academic requirements or maintain a specific GPA to be eligible, as the courses they’ll take can be more demanding.
3. How the Program Works
Career-Focused Courses: Students enroll in high school classes tailored to prepare them for college-level technical education.
Hands-On Learning: The program emphasizes hands-on skills and training, which gives students real-world experience in a chosen field.
Credits Toward Graduation: Many of the courses taken in this program count toward high school graduation requirements.
Dual Enrollment Option: Students can also take part in dual enrollment, which allows them to attend both high school and Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) at the same time. This means they can earn college credits that might transfer to other colleges or count directly toward their career certification.
4. Course Requirements
Each career pathway in the Accelerated Career Diploma has specific course requirements, which vary depending on the field a student chooses. For example:
Healthcare Pathway: Might include anatomy, physiology, and a healthcare basics course.
Information Technology: Could involve courses in coding, computer hardware, and software applications.
Manufacturing: Might cover topics like welding, mechanical systems, or basic engineering principles.
Students need to complete both required high school courses and any technical college courses relevant to their career pathway.
5. Dual Enrollment with Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC)
What is Dual Enrollment? Dual enrollment lets students take college courses at OFTC while still in high school. These courses are generally free, thanks to the state’s support, so it’s a great way to earn college credits without extra costs.
How it Works: Students can enroll in courses that match their career interests, such as welding, healthcare, or cosmetology. The credits they earn can often be used for an associate degree or technical certificate at OFTC or even transferred to another college if they decide to pursue further education.
Benefits of Dual Enrollment: Students save time and money by getting college credit early, and they graduate high school with hands-on skills that can lead directly into a job or further training.
6. Support for Students
The program is designed to provide support and guidance throughout. High school counselors and career advisors help students select the right pathway, choose courses, and understand how dual enrollment works. There are often workshops and information sessions for both students and parents to explain details and ensure students are on track.
Why It’s a Great Option
The Accelerated Career Diploma gives students a huge head start. By the time they graduate high school, they already have some college credits, specific job skills, and a clear career pathway, which can make it easier to find jobs or transition to further education. This program is ideal for students who are ready to dive into their career path, love hands-on learning, or want to save time and money on college by starting early.
If you're interested or have more questions, reaching out to a guidance counselor or graduation coach can provide details specific to your child’s high school course requirements.
