For the group of DHS students who enrolled in college classes at Georgia State University (GSU), the course material should be the most challenging aspect of taking these classes, not finding transportation to the nearby college. GSU offers an Early College Program that provides dual enrollment opportunities for minority groups, specifically students of color, low income students, and first-generation college students. While dozens of DHS students are a part of this program, their participation was limited by transportation barriers. Career and Technical Education Director Duane Sprull was awarded a DEF grant to ensure there would be equitable access to dual enrollment opportunities: bus transportation to and from the GSU campus is now available every day for the 27 students in this program.
“The whole transportation dilemma came about due to how other schools transported students, the uptick in crime in Atlanta, and DHS facing the challenges of the pandemic,” Sprull explained. “Students are now able to move to and from GSU without the stress of waiting for a ride or using MARTA or having parents taking time off work to transport them to GSU… Families can have a level of comfort because they know dedicated CSD employees supervise students during the transit to the university.” He also believes this will be an opportunity for the students to bond on the frequent rides to and from the campus.
“Our passion in the Decatur Career Academy and within Decatur High School flows from the need to support our marginalized students in their academic endeavors,” Sprull said. “Without the support of the DEF, this would not have been possible for this school year due to the financial constraints.”
“DEF is all about breaking down barriers to equity, so funding this grant was a ‘no-brainer’,” said DEF Executive Director Gail Rothman. “We hope that this investment will encourage more students to participate in the dual enrollment opportunity at GSU.”
