Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Take Note.
GEO Next Generation High School Expands Dual Enrollment and Associate Degree Opportunities
GEO Next Generation High School is making strides in enhancing post-secondary opportunities for its students through an expanded dual enrollment and associate degree program, addressing Louisiana’s educational challenges head-on.
Louisiana ranks 45th in the nation for its four-year graduation rate, with only 27.1 percent of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher as of 2022. These statistics underscore the importance of initiatives like those at GEO Next Generation, which aims to provide students with a more equitable path to higher education.
Shaunessy Matthews, the new principal at GEO Next Generation, is passionate about providing her students with accessible post-secondary opportunities. “I want to increase the number of students who receive associates… we have formed a new relationship with LSUE,” Matthews said. The partnership with Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) introduces two new degree paths in criminal justice and general studies, expanding the existing offerings from Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) in liberal arts, social science, and welding.
Dual enrollment has proven to be a pivotal factor in student success, with research indicating that students participating in such programs are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college. GEO Next Generation’s program allows students to start taking college classes as early as the 10th grade, with the school covering the costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education.
“One of the things that attracted me to apply for GEO Next Gen was the concept of allowing students to obtain their associate’s degree by the time they graduate from high school,” Matthews said. “I thought it was a unique strategy to motivate students about post-secondary education. In Louisiana, we often steer students towards careers quickly because it’s a fast way to make money. While I understand that, I believe in pursuing a high-quality education beyond high school for a better career with more benefits.”
In addition to college programs, Matthews is committed to providing equitable opportunities for “career-bound” students who don’t meet dual enrollment criteria. This includes offering “internships” and opportunities “to go on the job,” says Mathews.
GEO Next Generation’s vision for the future is ambitious with goals to provide bachelor’s degrees and further expand opportunities for students. The school, which welcomed its first 9th-grade class in 2021, is already showing promising growth. Last year, 75 students graduated, and this year, the number is expected to exceed 90.
As GEO Next Generation continues to innovate and expand its educational offerings, it sets a hopeful precedent for addressing Louisiana’s academic challenges and providing students with the tools they need for a successful future.
