It was a pleasure to attend the fall 2009 NACEP conference sponsored by the University of Tennessee – Martin in Memphis, TN. The celebration of NACEP’s 10th Anniversary was a huge success. I clearly remember the Atlanta session so long ago when those of us who managed concurrent programs first met to begin a national dialogue. Members of that first group gradually formulated plans for a supportive national network that resulted in the creation of NACEP during a meeting in Salt Lake City in 1999.

In the intervening ten years, NACEP and concurrent enrollment programs have grown throughout the nation. NACEP is uniquely placed and has the potential to positively impact the national education scene. NACEP’s underlying set of ideas, principles, agreements, rules, and standards provide the basis for framing a discussion of educational reform. Each of our members has worked to implement goals outlined in previous conferences:

• Support and promote quality concurrent programs
• Increase public awareness of NACEP
• Establish professional partnerships
• Earn a reputation for providing sound concurrent program guidelines and assistance
• Become a source for a national database on concurrent programs
• Expand definitions and standards of excellence to accommodate various program
deliveries and needs
• Influence educational policies and funding

During this conference, members passed a number of by-laws making NACEP more inclusive of programs with various delivery methods. A number of sessions were dedicated to defining concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment and credit-based programs. The Standards Committee moved forward in clarifying and updating the standards. Progress was made in establishing a national database to collect information on concurrent enrollment programs. The work done by all NACEP committees continues to move NACEP towards its goals.

The future of NACEP and its members continues to be bright. National recognition of concurrent enrollment and other high school partnerships is beginning to form in government circles. U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee (Dem), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, said, “I am extremely proud to join with my colleagues to introduce the Graduation for All Act. This legislation includes provisions from my legislation, the Fast Track to College Act, which makes important investments in early college high school partnerships and dual enrollment programs. These programs enable students, especially those underrepresented in postsecondary education, to earn an associate’s degree or up to two years of transferrable college credits at no cost to their families, while still in high school. These programs have a proven track record of reducing dropout rates, keeping students engaged, and providing a seamless transition to college.”

From the beginning NACEP has endeavored to support and promote quality concurrent programs. We are now in a position to lead a discussion of educational reform.

Ted R. Ungricht, Ed.D.
President NACEP