Aid for dual-enrollment students available

NASHVILLE (AP) — A state official said many high school students who will also take college courses this fall may not be aware they are eligible for financial aid from the state lottery.

Legislators in May approved a plan to provide up to $300 per semester for high school students taking college courses. The state has not had much opportunity to publicize the program, said Brian Noland, associate executive director of policy and planning at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, which coordinates the scholarship part of the Tennessee lottery.

“I’ve assured every parent I’ve talked to that if their student is taking undergraduate level instruction and they have a signed dual-enrollment agreement with the college and the high school, it will be paid for through the grants,” he said. “Students and parents should go ahead and pay their tuition up front and they will receive a reimbursement.”

Last year 3,000 Tennessee high school students were jointly enrolled in college.

“It makes a difference when you’re trying to save for college,” said parent Cindy Murphy. “Every dollar we can save for college is a good one, even if it’s $300. That may pay for his books for a semester.”