It’s 2:45 p.m. on a Friday. For students at Americus-Sumter County High School (ASCHS) North Campus, that means the day is almost over. But students enrolled in the new Joint Initiative program between Sumter County Schools and Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) appear to be enthusiastic and eager to be learning and partaking in the new course offered at the campus, College Algebra.

The Times-Recorder quietly interrupted the class. In the front of the classroom is David Ndaayezwi “Dr. N,” Ph.D, Ed.D, explaining a problem to 16 students, waiting to see and understand the answer. With no hesitation, they raise their hands — asking and answering questions — eager to move on to the next problem. As Ndaayezwi acknowledges the Times-Recorder and tells the class they will be involved in a brief interview, many students are still pushing Ndaayezwi to move forward with the next problem.

These are the classroom dynamics of a college course being taught in a high school setting. And the students in the class are excited about what the course has to offer. Of the 16 students, there are two juniors and 14 seniors. For many, the course is not challenging because they enjoy math, and for others, it’s a great experience — one that is motivational for classes to come.

Elizabeth Cole is a senior at ASCHS. She is on the college preparatory track and has fulfilled all of her math requirements to graduate.

“I am taking the course because I can get credit for both high school and college. That’s a convenience ... and I don’t have to commute between the two campuses, and that cuts the cost of gas and time,” said Cole.

Shariah McKenzie also a senior, having already fulfilled her math requirements. She is also on the college preparatory track and sees this opportunity as a great experience.

“I am gaining college experience in a high school setting. Like Elizabeth, I am done with my math requirements, but I enjoy math ... o I decided to take the class,” she said.

For Dwight Harris, also a senior on the college prep track, he sees being a part of this new Joint Initiative program as an opportunity to influence underclassmen.

“I agree with Elizabeth’s and Shariah’s answers. But I also see this as an opportunity to set precedent for other students. We are role models right now. We are setting an example to help challenge other students to go further,” he said.

Harris also said that this is a way to get a head start on college.

“It is cool to feel like I am in college, but still in high school. You know it’s that feeling that I am not quite ready to be in college but not ready to leave my comfort zone — high school. So it’s a great experience,” he said.

The new enrollment program, SCS/GSW Joint Enrollment program, is one sponsored by the school system with a twist. This new initiative brings the campus to high school. All the courses taught through the program will be taught at the high school, but by a GSW professor. The enrollment is free and the college credit the students earn can be used at any other school in the University of Georgia System, with the exception of Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.

“We are bringing a different link and image between the two institutions. There will be new faces within the school, but it is all for the same focus: preparing our students for post-secondary education,” said Ndaayezwi.

According to Ndaayezwi, the program has taken off to a good start and the students are working well with the transition. He said the program is proving to be impactful and motivational to other students interested in enrolling in the future classes.

“I see students now who can’t wait to take the SAT, especially the juniors. They are taking the test now so they can participate in the future classes,” said Ndaayezwi.