Tifton, GA — Tift County Schools is excited to announce a new collaboration with the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON), effective for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative aims to broaden our students' access to college-level curriculum from Top Tier Universities. Through this partnership, Tift County High School will gradually increase its dual-enrollment-style opportunities from Tier 1 universities. While the network of participating institutions is actively expanding, the current NEON member colleges are provided in the list below.
Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, Tift County Schools will launch an inaugural partnership with Arizona State University to provide Tift County High School students with advanced computer science coursework. This program was developed in response to student feedback from last year’s Superintendent Advisory, which highlighted a strong desire for expanded STEM opportunities.
Integrated into the Tift County Schools 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, this partnership aligns with Goal 1, Initiative 2 to expand student participation in advanced academic tracks. Superintendent Natalie Gore highlighted that “while local Dual Enrollment through SRTC and ABAC continues to be essential, feedback from students revealed a demand for niche STEM coursework to improve their standing with elite universities. Tift is honored to bridge this gap by bringing world-class collegiate curriculum to our south Georgia students, offering rural communities academic resources that were previously out of reach.”
The NEON model utilizes a blended instructional approach, combining weekly video conferencing sessions led by university teaching fellows with dedicated on-site support from Tift County faculty. This strategy provides students with a balance of high-level subject matter expertise and individualized guidance within the classroom.
Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Jennifer Howell emphasized that the district is committed to broadening student awareness and providing access to initiatives that equip them for life, career, and college.
To explore this academic opportunity and obtain specific course details, families and students are invited to reach out to their school counselors.
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