studies indicate that CROP students are more likely to graduate from area high schools than the average student population, and nearly twice as many CROP students than the general high school population attend post secondary institutions. dual enrollment Reaching out to the school age population also has been greatly enhanced through the Dual Enrollment Program. Valencia’s 2004-2005 Dual Enrollment Program included more than 1,200 students in both the Fall and Spring semesters. Dual enrollment was created to save money for parents and the taxpayers. Permitting and encouraging students either to take college classes on high school sites or on Valencia’s campuses substantially lowered the cost of a college education. A Valencia dual enrollee could complete college and high school course work at the same time. As the Program began, Central Florida students in the dual enrollment typically took four Valencia classes, three of which were the basics of general education – biology, math or English – and one elective course, usually a physical education course that could be handled on a high school site. Dual enrollment has proven to be “a win-win” for students, parents, Valencia and the schools. The students and parents could save as much as $10,000 in tuition costs for the two years. Students in dual enrollment were far more prepared for college life.
The pressure on Valencia’s crowded classrooms was eased. And, high school faculty members certified to teach at the community college level could enjoy teaching advanced students. After more than a decade of campus-based administration of dual enrollment, the program expanded rapidly under the successive collegewide leadership of Laura Hebert and Falecia Williams. More and more qualified Central Florida students were enrolling in college at Valencia and finishing their high school work at the same time. Further, all of the dual enrollment credits that students earned while attending their high schools were transferable to Florida’s state universities. h onors program Valencia’s Honors Program, inaugurated in 1989, offers a holistic approach that has made Valencia a “first choice” institution among high school students who might otherwise continue their education at prestigious, four-year institutions outside of Florida. The Program has grown markedly under the leadership of Director Ron Brandolini and in 2006 served nearly 1,000 students on four campuses. The program annually attracts dozens of students with SAT scores in excess of 1400 (including perfect 1600 SAT scores) and ACT scores in excess of 32. Over 450 of the 1,000 students were on full tuition scholarships (either Presidential or Honors scholarships) provided by the Valencia Community College Foundation.
President Paul C. Gianini, Jr. addressed an Honors Program Graduation Ceremony.
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