High school students interested in taking dual-enrollment courses through Middle Georgia State now have much more flexible and affordable options.

Recent changes in state law streamlined the dual-enrollment programs known as Accel, Hope Grant for dual enrollment and Move on When Ready into one program with one funding source. The streamlined program will be offered under the name Move on When Ready.

Dr. Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State, recently signed the Move on When Ready program participation agreement, ensuring the soon-to-be university's involvement.

"We are proud to offer this opportunity to eligible students who want to begin university studies at no or very little cost while completing high school,” Blake said. “It enhances their academic experiences and, in some cases, allows them to earn degrees. Their presence also enriches the student culture on our campuses.”

High school students and their parents/guardians will be most interested in the following Move on When Ready highlights:

• It will be possible for some Move On When Ready students to complete their high school requirements and earn associate's degrees at the same time. At Middle Georgia State, students could commute to classes or, if eligible, participate in The Georgia Academy residential program on the Cochran Campus.

• Eligible students may now attend a postsecondary institution part-time or full-time.

• Eligible students can participate during fall, spring and summer semesters, and the program has been expanded to include 9th through 12th graders, as long as they meet certain criteria. Previously, students could not participate in the summer or prior to 11th grade.

• Tuition and fees will continue to be covered under the Move on When Ready program but now, in addition, mandatory fees will be covered. There will be no application or orientation fees charged to students. Also, institutions are now required to provide textbooks to Move on When Ready students at no cost.

• Eligible students enrolled in private high schools or home schools as recognized by state law may continue to participate in Move on When Ready.

Move on When Ready students must meet certain admissions requirements.

To learn more about Move on When Ready opportunities at Middle Georgia State, visit http://www.mga.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment.aspx or call Bruce Applewhite at 478-929-6716 or Kenneth Rozier at 478-471-2854.