House backs high school credit for some college-level study

ATLANTA (AP) The Georgia House has approved a bill letting Georgia high school students earn credit toward a diploma while taking some college-level courses.

Members voted, 165-0, in favor on Tuesday.

The bill now goes back to the Senate for review. That chamber already has passed a version of the bill, which is backed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

House members removed a minimum age requirement of 16 years. The program would allow students to participate after completing two years of high school and completing specific classes.

Supporters say the change will encourage students interested in certain fields to pursue those sooner.

The state has a dual enrollment program that lets students take college-level classes while still in high school. But that program doesn't count the credits toward high school graduation.