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Dual Enrollment Dynamo: How NeeAli Scott Graduated College Before High School

Jun 24, 2024 3:27:57 PM

by Lisa Hollenbach

Dual Enrollment Dynamo: How NeeAli Scott Graduated College Before High School
1:55

NeeAli Scott, a 17-year-old senior at Savannah Arts Academy, has achieved a remarkable milestone. Before walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma, NeeAli earned her associate of science degree from Savannah State University. This impressive feat was driven by her ambition to get a head start on her education and take advantage of Georgia’s dual enrollment program, which offers 30 free college credits to high school students.

“I really just wanted to get as much education, a college education, as I can now for free,” NeeAli explained. “In the state of Georgia, you get 30 credits free. So that’s already half of the associate’s degree.”

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NeeAli’s academic journey has been anything but typical. Balancing high school coursework with college classes, she faced challenges that tested her resilience. “Definitely, some classes gave me a little more of a challenge than others,” she admitted. When Savannah State didn’t offer all the classes she needed, NeeAli took additional courses at Georgia Southern University to complete her degree.

But NeeAli’s busy schedule didn’t end with academics. After school, she worked at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club and attended dance practices, showcasing her commitment and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.

Looking ahead, NeeAli has her sights set on becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. She aspires to work in an inner-city hospital, giving back to the youth in Savannah or wherever her journey may take her. Though she has not yet decided where to pursue her further education, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are at the top of her list.

As she prepares to graduate from Savannah Arts Academy, NeeAli leaves a legacy of inspiration, proving that with the right mindset and support, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

Read more about NeeAli and her incredible journey. 

Lisa Hollenbach

Lisa Hollenbach is Senior Digital Manager for Education Post. Prior to joining Education Post, Lisa developed digital and content strategy for Teaching Channel. She served on the Bill and Melinda Gates Teacher Advisory Council from 2014-2017 and was active in the planning and execution of several Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching (ECET2) convenings at both the regional and national level. Lisa attended both private and public schools in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and holds a bachelor’s in secondary education social studies, a bachelor’s in public policy, a minor in women's studies and a master’s in community psychology and social change. A former educator, Lisa taught for more than 15 years in both traditional public school and public charter school settings. She also served as a leader of her local and regional teachers association from 2001-2016. Lisa has worked with several universities throughout her career and is currently an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania State University, teaching courses in sociology, psychology, education and their intersections. She is passionate about helping education advocates share their stories and creating an equitable education system that serves all students.

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