Texas bill would expand access to dual credit programs | Opinion
Dual credit was transformational for me. I was able to earn almost all of my basic credits needed for an undergraduate degree in high school — for free. I was lucky to have information and support to access these courses through my proactive school counselor. Because of these credits and the flexibility they provided, I am where I am today — set to graduate on time with a degree in urban planning and policy from the University of North Texas.
Dual credit gave me the peace of mind to take a gap year in Germany and further my interests with the knowledge that my college-level credits would transfer and prevent me from falling behind in my career goals. When I got back, I chose to go to Dallas College where I could take classes online at an affordable cost. Thanks to the versatility of my community college, I am on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree on time and ready to successfully enter the workforce.
I thought my experience was the norm, that every high schooler in Texas had access to free dual credit programs. But after talking with my own family members in other parts of the state, I learned this wasn’t the case. For them, dual credit was out of reach because they would have to pay for tuition and fees.
Dual credit has been central to my success — it gave me the flexibility to really find my passion, and I know that it can be transformational for others across the state if expanded. The House recently took the bold and necessary step to pass HB 8. As this legislation moves to the Senate, I ask our legislators to vote yes to ensure more students like me have access to dual credit, college success, and all of the opportunities a postsecondary credential provides.
Ángel García Donjuán is a former Dallas College student and current member of the Texas Community College Student Advisory Council. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
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