Posted: | June 9, 2023 06:15 PM |
---|---|
From: | Representative MaryLouise Isaacson |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | The Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program |
Last year, the General Assembly passed Act 55 which, among other things, required high schools across Pennsylvania to offer dual enrollment programming for students. Dual enrollment programs offer high school students the opportunity to take college level courses while still in a supportive and familiar environment. Participating students can get a jump on their postsecondary studies while saving money, and potentially earning a degree sooner. Studies have shown that dual enrollment programs lead to higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. Access to these programs has already been recognized as a priority in Pennsylvania. My legislation would further expand access to dual enrollment by establishing the Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program within the Department of Education. This program would provide grants to institutions of higher education to expand the number of tuition-free dual credit program offerings, increase access to no-cost course materials for students, and pave the way for a successful transition from high school to post-secondary education. Priority for grant funding would be given to institutions that emphasize coursework aligned with high-priority career paths, service to students from low-income backgrounds, career and technical education programs, historically underserved student groups, and students in rural areas. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation to further expand access to dual enrollment for Pennsylvania’s students. |
Introduced as HB1434