Embry-Riddle Becomes Florida’s First and Only University to Earn NACEP Accreditation

The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) has granted initial accreditation to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Gaetz Aerospace Institute, which offers STEM-related college programs to high school students throughout the nation, making it the first program of its kind in the state to earn this recognition.

“Receiving NACEP accreditation is a mark of distinction, a testament to the university's commitment to excellence in concurrent enrollment programming,” said Dr. Colleen Conklin, executive director of the Gaetz Aerospace Institute. “It signifies that our program meets rigorous national standards, ensuring that high school students receive a high-quality educational experience and are well-prepared for the challenges of college and beyond."

NACEP is the nation’s only accrediting body for dual-enrollment partnerships, and its standards serve as the model criteria for ensuring parity in faculty, course content, student outcomes and support. Institutions that earn accreditation have met the nation’s most rigorous standard in concurrent enrollment program development, management and evaluation across multiple, multifaceted program areas.

"This early college experience, similar to dual-enrollment, removes barriers for students to participate, as it is offered on the high school campus, within the schools' bell schedule,” Conklin added. “Courses are often led by the high school’s own staff, each of whom have met the criteria to teach post-secondary course work.”

“Your commitment to meeting these standards shows the value your institution has for providing high school students with rigorous coursework that will help ease their transition from high school to postsecondary,” said Mike Altomari, associate chair of the NACEP’s accreditation commission, in the organization’s recent press release.

The accreditation was announced May 30, and it brings the total number of NACEP-accredited programs to 133 nationwide.

About NACEP

The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) is the leading membership organization supporting programs that successfully transition students from high school to college through college credit-bearing courses. It promotes quality programming through national standards, accreditation and professional development. Members offer college courses to high school students through a variety of delivery methods and use a range of terms such as concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, dual credit and early college.

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