As a senior at LaFayette High School, Abby Davenport didn’t just graduate—she did so with an associate degree in Drafting Technology from Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), making her one of the standout success stories of the Dual Enrollment program.
Davenport participated in GNTC’s Dual Enrollment program through the Walker LAUNCH College and Career Academy at the college’s Walker County Campus in Rock Spring. By the time she crossed the stage at her high school graduation, she had also completed a college degree—a milestone that she says has opened doors and set her apart from her peers.
“The Dual Enrollment program seemed like an amazing opportunity to get ahead in my education and be able to come out of high school with a college degree,” Davenport said. “Getting my degree through GNTC has set me ahead of my peers, has opened many doors for me and will continue to do so in future endeavors.”
Now considering a career in Mechanical Engineering, Davenport is exploring job opportunities in her field and says she’s open to returning to college, especially if future employers offer educational support. “I’m unsure if I want to go back to college yet, but it’s possible I will,” she said.
Davenport is one of three GNTC Dual Enrollment students who earned associate degrees while still in high school this year. Daniel Illangovan, a homeschooled student from Dade County, completed a degree in Drafting Technology. Dean White, a graduate of Coosa High School in Rome, earned a degree in Business Management.
White took GNTC classes online during his junior and senior years, and said the Dual Enrollment experience allowed him to explore career paths while saving money. “This choice allowed me to gain knowledge and skills that I can use to eventually work in sales with my dad,” White said.
Illangovan echoed those benefits, citing the program’s affordability and flexibility. “The State of Georgia gives funding for up to 30 credits as a Dual Enrollment student,” he said. “Along with some other state scholarships, I was able to complete my associate degree with very minimal fees.” He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Adventist University.
This spring, GNTC awarded special cords to 660 high school students who earned college credit through the Dual Enrollment program—part of a statewide effort to help students get a head start on college or technical careers.
Kristi Hart, GNTC’s director of High School Initiatives, emphasized the program’s adaptability. “Students can complete up to 30 hours of general education courses that can then transfer to four-year institutions, or they can enroll into a technical program at GNTC and be almost finished—or completely finished—in some cases, by the time they graduate high school.”
LaFayette High School saw 37 of its seniors earn GNTC’s Dual Enrollment cords this year, a testament to the school’s strong engagement with the program. Davenport, now a role model for younger students, encourages others to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I urge any student who has a drive to better themselves to consider the Dual Enrollment program,” she said. “It’s an experience that can truly change your future.”