Dr. Amanda Sterk

Institution: Florida SouthWestern State College

Position: Director of Accelerated Pathways

FADEP Position: President

Why FADEP-

Dual enrollment is increasing across the state and the nation, both for clock and credit hour programs. While it provides a large opportunity for students for career exploration at an earlier age, bridging the K-12 and higher education institutions can be difficult. Both systems are highly complex with their unique set of rules, policies, and state statutes that often conflict with one another. As well, the large increase of high school students through multiple schooling options (public, private, and homeschool) provides unique hurdles. Yet there is tremendous opportunities with this student population that often goes untapped and underutilized.

Even with the large increase of students under current state legislation, there has been little in the way of professional development on best-practice for this unique student population. Many of us at our institutions are a small department of 1 or 2, which can create significant stress on an already complex system.

FADEP was created as a coalition of K-12, higher education institutions, and community partners that is dedicated to student success through dual enrollment. Working in partnership with one another, FADEP will be a catalyst for creating and distributing best-practices across the state and nation. Supported by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) and their instrumental work, research, and accreditation standards can increase capacity in our Florida dual enrollment programs. Additional partnerships, such as the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) and the Florida School Counselor Association (FSCA) and further the FADEP initiatives.

How does your background/ experience with dual enrollment add to the new FADEP organization?

I believe my expertise and knowledge of dual enrollment programs, as both an early college school counselor and director of a large dual enrollment program, lend well to my expertise in guiding thousands of students, school counselors, concurrent instructors/ educators, and higher education staff (advising, enrollment, testing, etc) through best-practices in dual enrollment. While many other dual enrollment directors have the same knowledge base, my commitment to partnerships and leadership will be integral to building a robust organization that will be well developed for sustainability and growth.

Being the first full functioning year of FADEP, a strong leader is needed to develop the organization from a systems approach, utilizing the multitude of skills and abilities of the Board Members, Committee Members, and Partners. I have garnered the necessary leadership skills through my steady involvement in my Local College Access Network (LCAN) FutureMakers, where I serve and lead on the Guiding Team, Talent Hub Guiding Team, Access & Entry Team, and College & Career Readiness Team. As well, I was recently selected as part the Florida State College system as a part of their Pathways Navigator Institute, where I am working with colleges across the state to build clear and articulated career pathways for their students.

Having ran the first FADEP conference, developed the FADEP website and listserv, and have personally sought structured partnership opportunities, I believe I am the right person to continue to lead this organization now for the future. I also serve on several committees for NACEP, including the Conference Committee that is currently planning the 2021 NACEP Conference in Orlando.

I realize the time commitment that is needed to FADEP at this time, and I believe my actions thus far have proven that I am the person to take on the responsibility of the FADEP President.