Minnesota’s innovative Post-Secondary Enrollment Option program reached its 20th anniversary this year and deserves to be called a success.

The program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college classes for both high school and college credit, has served 110,000 public and private school students since it started in 1985. In 2004, 7,500 students were enrolled.

Essentially, the PSEO program gives students an opportunity to get a head start on their college education, while at the same time holding down the cost of that education (tuition and fees are paid by the state).

In that regard, PSEO has accomplished much of what it was intended to do. There are, however, some shortcomings:

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Two-thirds of those enrolled are girls. This is not a total surprise, since nationwide more women than men are enrolled in college.

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Minorities and low-income students, who could benefit greatly from the program, are not taking full advantage of it. Transportation and information issues may be the culprits.

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Transfer of the PSEO college credits to other post-secondary institutions is not automatic in all cases.

At the same time, top students in large high schools often find it more advantageous to take honors or advanced placement classes in their home school rather than introductory classes at a community college.

Finally, many students are understandably reluctant to give up the social aspects of their senior year of high school in exchange for commuting to college classes.

Still, whether enrolled part-time or full-time in PSEO, thousands of Minnesota students are finding the program worthwhile. That is the best recommendation available.

&045; Rochester Post-Bulletin