Athens Reporter

State Representative Tim Fleming has been announced as the chairman of the committee responsible for overseeing dual enrollment and tuition equalization grants in Georgia, signaling a renewed focus on enhancing educational opportunities in the state. His leadership in this role is set to shape the future of these programs, aiming to benefit students and their families.

State Representative Tim Fleming, a member of the House Higher Education Committee in Georgia, has been appointed as the chairman of the Dual Enrollment & Tuition Equalization Grant Ad Hoc Committee. The committee, initiated by Chairman Chuck Martin, is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the Dual Enrollment and Tuition Equalization Grant programs to identify potential legislative improvements. They have already held multiple meetings involving key stakeholders and researching improvements for the state of Georgia.

In a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, Fleming said: "It’s an honor to chair the House Higher Education Dual Enrollment & Tuition Equalization Grant Ad Hoc Committee that has been charged with looking into these two vitally important programs for Georgia students to find efficiencies and enhancements that might be made legislatively."

The Dual Enrollment & Tuition Equalization Grant Ad Hoc Committee within the House Higher Education Committee was created under Chairman Martin's direction for a comprehensive assessment of two programs with significant impacts on Georgia students and families. The committee has already engaged with various program stakeholders and is committed to ongoing scrutiny to understand their operations fully, identify strengths and weaknesses, and propose any necessary changes or enhancements.

During its initial meeting on August 30, 2023, the committee received presentations on Tuition Equalization Grants and Dual Enrollment from the President of the Student Finance Commission, and they discussed the committee's future direction. A subsequent meeting on September 15, 2023, focused on Dual Enrollment topics introduced in the first meeting, with participation from representatives of the Technical College System of Georgia, the University System of Georgia, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission, who contributed to the discussions and answered questions.

Representative Tim Fleming, elected in 2022, represents District 114, encompassing Morgan County, as well as portions of Jasper and Newton counties, and currently holds positions as the Secretary of the Information and Audits Committee and serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight and Higher Education committees.

Dual Enrollment (DE) allows Georgia high school students to take college courses, earning credit for both high school and college, with state funding covering tuition, fees, and textbooks. This program provides valuable opportunities for students to get a head start on their college education and save on tuition costs.

Under the leadership of Chairman Tim Fleming, the Dual Enrollment & Tuition Equalization Grant Ad Hoc Committee is poised to make significant strides in improving these programs and ensuring that Georgia students have access to high-quality education.