Aurmoni Robertson, a Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Academy student, has become the first completer of the newly established Dual Achievement Program (DAP) Pathway in the state. Robertson, who enrolled in the program in June 2022, has completed requirements to earn his credential, making CGTC the first college in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to award a high school diploma.

“I’m really proud to be the first graduate in the state for the Dual Achievement Program,” said Aurmoni Robertson. “I completed two years of traditional high school, but I wasn’t living up to my potential. I knew I wanted a career in welding, so I wanted to focus and get through school so that I could take the next step toward my career goals. The support of the DAP staff helped guide me along the way and now, instead of having two more years of high school left, I was able to finish in about three months and I’m already enrolled for more college courses at CGTC.”

The DAP Pathway, which is part of the CGTC Academy, is a new initiative within TCSG allowing students ages 16-21 to earn an accredited Georgia high school diploma through dual credit programming. Students can transfer into the program after completing at least 6 units of credit from a traditional high school.

To complete and earn the high school diploma, students must complete a two technical certificates of credit, a diploma, or an associate’s degree, and finalize any remaining high school credits through the CGTC Academy. The Academy, which also encompasses the Career Plus High School equivalency pathway, was accredited by Cognia in June of 2022.

“We are so proud of Aurmoni,” said LaKeitha Weston, executive director and principal of the DAP pathway at CGTC. “Life hasn’t always been easy on Aurmoni, but he has shown us that through hard work, dedication, and commitment, the possibilities are endless. Not only is he the first graduate of the CGTC Academy DAP pathway, he’s also the first graduate statewide in the program. He’s an incredible example to all of us of what can happen if we put our minds to it. I’m looking forward to seeing him continue with academic success at Central Georgia Technical College.”

Robertson earned his remaining high school credits, and college credit for three technical certificates of credit in welding. Auromoni completed his college credit courses at CGTC’s Georgia VECTR Center in accelerated programming in just 15 weeks.

The Dual Achievement Program is one part of the over-arching Academy at CGTC. The Academy also includes the Career Plus High School (CPH) equivalency program for students over the age of 21. Both pathways include the opportunity for enrolled students to combine high school courses and college credit level coursework for an accredited high school diploma, or equivalency, while also earning college credentials for quick entry into the workforce.

To find out more, visit www.centralgatech.edu/cgtc-academy.