Students from Florida College Access Network’s (FCAN) Advocacy Fellowship are raising their voices to champion dual enrollment programs, calling on lawmakers to simplify funding and expand access for high school students across the state. These advocates — many of them first-generation college students — are sharing powerful personal testimonies that highlight just how life-changing early college experiences can be.
Dual enrollment, which allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credits before graduation, has long been recognized as a pathway to higher education success. However, disparities in access and funding persist, especially in under-resourced schools. To address this, a cohort of student fellows traveled to Florida’s capital in March to advocate for reforms that would make these programs more accessible. The meetings with legislators focused on FCAN’s 2025 policy agenda, which includes strengthening dual enrollment opportunities.
A Personal Mission for Policy Change
As the first in her family to attend college, Ariel Dookie, a senior at the University of Florida, leaned on mentors to navigate a complex application process. During her visit to Tallahassee, Dookie advocated for simplifying dual enrollment funding, ensuring that schools can utilize resources to provide students with the best opportunities.
“Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the policies governing public schools and post-secondary institutions,” said Dookie who is now studying health education and behavior.
Early Achievement, Lifelong Impact
Ismaray Govea, Miami Dade College graduate and student at Florida International University, is a double major in biological sciences and natural and applied sciences. She earned her associate degree before graduating high school.
“From my personal experience as a first-generation college student, I can attest how life-changing dual enrollment is,” she said.
A Strategic Head Start
Jessica Michelle Erwin, a pre-law student at the University of South Florida, described dual enrollment as “the smartest decision” she ever made. By completing a large portion of her associate degree in high school, she saved thousands of dollars and gained the freedom to explore her academic interests.
“Because of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and dual enrollment, I now have the financial freedom to study abroad and pursue a paralegal certificate,” she said.
Realizing the Gap in Access
Kailia Gilligan, a recent English graduate from University of South Florida, had a counselor introduce her to dual enrollment in high school. But she quickly realized how rare that support can be.
“Dual enrollment itself was the biggest support,” she said. “It gave me a space to learn without pressure and helped me feel capable.”
By participating in dual enrollment, Gilligan was able to finish half her bachelor’s degree before graduating high school.
Building Confidence, One Course at a Time
For Mariangel Albornoz, a sophomore studying astrophysics at the University of Florida, dual enrollment was more than just an academic boost — it was a confidence builder.
“Dual enrollment classes demonstrated to me that I was capable of college, and prepared me for it,” she said. “It taught me that I could be successful in college as long as I put in the effort.”
Spreading the Word
Stephanie Wilks, a University of Central Florida graduate, took it upon herself to spread awareness. “I found out about dual enrollment through an after-school program,” she recalled. “But most of my classmates didn’t even know it existed.”
She also emphasized lesser-known opportunities, such as summer dual enrollment programs, which can offer students more flexibility and time to earn credits.
Advocacy From a Technical Pathway
Zoser Lee, a first-year aircraft mechanic student at Traviss Technical College, brought a unique perspective to the conversation. As someone pursuing a skilled trade, he emphasized how both FAFSA and dual enrollment programs eased the financial burden and accelerated his path into the workforce.
“I wanted to advocate for dual enrollment and FAFSA to help students that need it the most, as these programs helped me,” said Lee.
A Call for Action
The collective voices of these students present a compelling case for dual enrollment as a key tool in enhancing college readiness and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Da’Mari Clayton, a student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, emphasized this statement. “I just want the next generation to have more knowledge about what can be beneficial in their future,” said Clayton.
As policymakers review education budgets and other initiatives, these fellows hope their stories serve as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake — and what’s possible — when students are given the opportunity to get a head start on their futures.
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