Madison M. Angelo, 17, is a trail blazer. She was one of the first students to sign up for an accelerated dual enrollment pilot program at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) that allows students from the Sarasota County Schools to enroll as a full-time college student while completing their high school requirements. She has been so successful in the program at SCF Venice she will graduate from high school and receive her Associate in Arts degree this month, a semester earlier than her peers in the program.
Angelo, who was in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Venice High School before she joined the pilot program at SCF Venice in 2016, said she loved her experience at the College. She said when she started she didn’t expect to graduate a semester early. She simply wanted a more flexible school schedule.
“I would honestly recommend it to anyone, although this program isn’t for everyone” she said. “I had to meet a specific GPA requirement to get in. I had to spend many long hours to complete this program at this pace. It has been two years since I have had a summer break, but I was able to get it done.”
Angelo, who plays competitive beach volleyball, said she decided last year that she wanted to finish her classes as quickly as she could. Her SCF advisor told her she could take summer classes and she jumped on the opportunity. She will transfer to USF Tampa in the spring to pursue a business degree.
She said it is important for high school students to know that if they are motivated accelerated dual enrollment at SCF is a great opportunity because it offers options to a diverse population; whether you want to have a job or pursue a passion the schedule at SCF allows great flexibility.
For information on the accelerated dual enrollment program at SCF Venice contact Heather Shehorn, coordinator, special academic programs at shehorh@SCF.edu or 941-408-1416.