Sen. Stanley honored by Higher Education Regents

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Brenda Stanley has been honored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for her work on a special task force examining ways to enhance Oklahoma’s concurrent enrollment efforts.  Stanley, a former educator and administrator, is a member of the Concurrent Enrollment Task Force, which will make police recommendations this coming fall.

Stanley has received the 2022 Distinguished Service Award for her work on the issue.  “Concurrent enrollment is a program that lets high school students get a head start on a college degree by taking classes at a local college or university,” said Stanley, R-Midwest City.  “The more education an individual has after high school, the higher their earning potential.  This program helps make a college degree more affordable for Oklahoma students.” 

Currently, state-funded tuition waivers are available to seniors on a first-come, first-served basis.  If funds remain, then juniors may participate in the program.  Additionally, some higher education institutions offer enhanced concurrent enrollment benefits, which may also include waivers for fees as well, and provide textbooks.  Some local school districts also may offer additional assistance for high school students participating in concurrent enrollment. 

The task force is examining ways the program could be modernized, including looking at both Higher Regent’s policy as well as current state statutes.  

“The legislators serving on the Concurrent Enrollment Task Force are committed to constructing a dynamic concurrent enrollment system across Oklahoma,” said Higher Education Chancellor Allison D. Garrett.  “Their leadership during this process is moving public higher education forward, supporting early access for high school students to earn college degrees and enter the workforce faster.” 

-END-

For more information, contact: Sen. Brenda Stanley at 405-521-5584 or email Brenda.Stanley@oksenate.gov.