HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPLETE ASSOCIATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS THROUGH ACE INSTITUTE

Few high school students get to walk across the stage at their college commencement before they experience high school graduation but, for a small group, that has actually happened. 

ACE Institute, Gadsden State Community College’s dual enrollment program, allows eligible high school students to enroll in Gadsden State courses to earn both high school and college credit for the same course. Because of the program, Katlyn Bailey and Katherine Yohe were two high school students who walked at their college commencement ceremony before their high school graduation.

“It was so exciting to be able to walk at Gadsden State’s graduation,” said Bailey, 18. “Very few people are able to say they’ve had that experience before high school graduation.”

While they were allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony, they will not officially receive their associate degrees until their high school diploma is awarded. Associate degrees are only given to those with a high school diploma or equivalent. Still, the girls have completed all requirements for an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies for Bailey and an Associate of Science in General Studies for Yohe.

“I’m definitely glad that I made the decision to take college courses during high school,” said Yohe, 17. “For one, you get your college education completed quicker and, two, taking the courses at Gadsden State was more affordable.”

Yohe, who scored a 35 on her ACT, was named valedictorian at her graduation from Pathways Academy, a homeschool cover school, May 16. She graduated with a 4.0 from both Pathways and Gadsden State.

“I enrolled in Gadsden State when I was 14 years old and a sophomore,” said Yohe, who skipped the second grade. “I took five classes the first semester and I continued to take as many classes as I could.”

In the fall, she will transfer to Vanderbilt University, where she has been awarded $67,000 per year in tuition grants. She also received scholarships from the National Beta Club and the Gadsden Music Club. She plans to study mechanical engineering or applied physics.

“I feel like I’m prepared to attend Vanderbilt University after attending Gadsden State for two years,” she said. “It has provided me with a good transition from high school to college. It hasn’t been as strenuous being in college because I’ve been at home; I haven’t been on my own.”

Yohe made the most of her collegiate experience by participating in the Science, Math and Engineering Club and tutoring for Student Support Services and the Cardinal Tutoring Center. She was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.

Bailey, who will graduate from Etowah High School on May 24, always knew dual enrollment was something she would pursue.

“Even when I was little, I knew I would go to college early like my mother, and I knew I wanted to do something with law,” she said. “Attending Gadsden State helped me determine that I definitely want to become an attorney.”

She enrolled in ACE Institute the summer after her sophomore year. Her first class was biology.

“I took classes every semester and every summer since then,” she said. 

While still attending high school, Bailey typically took four college courses each semester. On a typical day, she would attend Gadsden State classes in the morning and then go to the high school for an afternoon class. She said she took a few online classes.

“Going to college at 16 was a little intimidating but it wasn’t so bad,” she said. “I had to get used to not having someone tell me what to do all of the time. College professors expect you to just do your work; do what you’re expected to do. Overall, it was a good transition for me.”

As a result of attending ACE Institute, Bailey was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Lambda Epsilon Chi Honor Society, Alpha Beta Gamma Paralegal Association and Mu Alpha Theta. She also interned at the Etowah County District Attorney’s Office. She finished Gadsden State with a 3.9 GPA. She is attending the University of Alabama this fall to study political science. She plans to go to law school once her undergraduate work is completed.

“If anyone asks me if they should enroll in the ACE Institute, I would say ‘go for it,'” she said. “Not only am I ahead of the game but I also was able to take classes that applied to my career field. I got to take the classes that I love and that are of value to my career path.”

Other area high school students who completed associate degree requirements:

• Mitchell Slezak, an Everest Academy student from Ashville, will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology
• Brennen Fleming, a student at West End High School, will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology
• Ozioma Ozor-Ilo, a student at Oxford High School, will receive an Associate of Science in General Studies

To be considered for the ACE Institute, students must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; must meet dual enrollment entrance requirements; and be approved by high school administration.

Cost of ACE Institute courses will be $160 per credit hour beginning this fall. Students approved to participate in certain career technical programs may be eligible for the ACE Institute Scholarship, which may cover books, tuition and supplies. 

For more information about ACE Institute, call 256-549-8305 or visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/ACEInstitute [1]