Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington Selected To Lead National Dual Enrollment Policy Efforts

Seven states to advance dual enrollment access and intentionality with technical support and funding from the College in High School Alliance (CHSA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 5, 2025 – The College in High School Alliance (CHSA) is pleased to announce the selection of seven states to develop and implement policy plans that will make them national leaders in dual enrollment policy, as part of the Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy Cohort. Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington will receive tailored technical assistance and funding to advance dual enrollment policies that maximize the benefits for students of being able to begin taking college courses in high school.

This two-year project is made possible with support from the ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, and Strada Education Foundation. The selected states will work alongside national experts from the College in High School Alliance to develop and implement action plans aimed at enhancing dual enrollment policies to ensure that more students have access to college courses while in high school.

The Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy aims to ensure that by 2030, all states will have eliminated participation and success gaps in dual enrollment for underrepresented students and will have developed sustainable systems to support students through their college in high school experiences.

Key goals of the initiative, which each state in the cohort will be undertaking, include:

• Setting a Statewide Vision for Dual Enrollment: Each state will publish a vision for the role that dual enrollment plays in the state’s educational systems and in a student’s journey through high school and into postsecondary education.
• Expanding Dual Enrollment Access: Participating states will focus on expanding access to dual enrollment for rural students and other state-identified groups.
• Focusing on Intentional Dual Enrollment Experiences: States will work on creating structured pathways and programs that advance students towards college credentials or degrees, with an emphasis on providing high-quality counseling and advising.

"I am honored that Minnesota was selected for the Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy Cohort,” Dennis Olson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and Chair of the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership, said. “This is an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from both national experts and other states who share our commitment to educational equity. If we want to close attainment gaps, particularly for rural students and students with disabilities, opportunities like this are critical. Our involvement in this initiative will help us design dual enrollment experiences that truly reflect the diverse needs of our students and equip them with the tools to succeed."

“As a state committed to expanding postsecondary opportunities for all students, New Mexico is honored to participate in this dual enrollment policy cohort,” said Amanda DeBell, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Teaching, Learning & Innovation, New Mexico Public Education Department. “This project will help us address the gaps in access and success for students from rural areas and other underrepresented populations. With the support of CHSA, we are eager to craft policies that will make dual enrollment a seamless and impactful experience for more students across the state.”

“We are thrilled to continue to partner with the College in High School Alliance,” said Rebecca Stewart, Director of College Credit Plus with the Ohio Department of Higher Education. “With emphasis on rural students and intentional dual enrollment, students from even the smallest communities across the state will see the benefits of this project.”

“Being selected for the Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy Cohort is an exciting step for Oregon,” said Ben Cannon, Executive Director, Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission. “We are looking forward to collaborating with other states and experts to refine our state support for programs, with a special focus on ensuring that we are offering quality and consistent pathways for students in every part of the state. This work is essential for ensuring equitable access and creating pathways that help students succeed in both higher education and the workforce.”

“Tennessee is proud to join the Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy Cohort,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. “This opportunity will allow us to think strategically about our dual enrollment programs, particularly in our rural communities. In partnership with CHSA, we are confident that we can develop and implement a support system for students and prepare them for a successful future in both college and the workforce.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity to refine and expand our dual enrollment programs, particularly in rural communities where access to higher education is limited,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera.

“The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is thrilled to be part of this national initiative to shape a statewide vision for dual credit and advance policy development in Washington State," said Chris Bailey, Interim Executive Director of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. "This opportunity allows us to build on our ongoing efforts while specifically targeting access gaps for underserved student populations. We are eager to collaborate with our public four-year universities and K12 partners to develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to the unique needs of our students. Our goal is to ensure that students are better prepared for both college and career pathways, ultimately fostering a brighter future for all.”

“The research supporting dual enrollment is clear that students who have access to college courses in high school are more likely to pursue and complete postsecondary education,” said Alex Perry, Coordinator of the College in High School Alliance. “We are excited to partner with these seven states as they take the next step in developing comprehensive and effective dual enrollment policy systems that will expand access to more students and increase student value of participating in these important postsecondary experiences.”

“NACEP continues to be dedicated to advancing the dual enrollment community on a national level, and sees this opportunity in partnering with states as part of growing this national community,” says Amy Williams, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). “We are excited to continue to support states in their commitment to equitable and quality dual enrollment systems that will greatly benefit all students" says Dianne Lassai Barker, NACEP’s Director of State Engagement.

"As one of the fastest growing segments of community college enrollment, we must reimagine access to dual enrollment programs while also broadening our partnerships to help more students and their communities thrive,” said Karen A. Stout, President, and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “ATD looks forward to continuing its partnership with CHSA and is excited to support the work of seven states selected for this opportunity.” 

"Dual enrollment is a critical component of college- and career-pathways, including Career Technical Education programs of study,” said Kate Kreamer, Executive Director of Advance CTE. “Advance CTE is excited to be part of this effort to help states lead the way on dual enrollment policies and programs that enhance exposure, access, and success in college and career for every learner."

"Dual enrollment has grown significantly in the past 20 years, and it continues to be an important data-backed strategy to support college enrollment and completion,” said Karishma Merchant, Associate Vice President for Policy & Advocacy at Jobs for the Future.  “JFF is thrilled to work with these seven states and help them put in place policies and systems that’ll ensure more students gain access to strategic dual enrollment courses that boost students’ postsecondary and economic success.”

"The Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy is a significant step forward for dual enrollment in both the participating states and nationwide." said Daryl Hornick-Becker, Director of Public Policy for the Bard Early Colleges. "As a pioneer of early college high schools, Bard is proud to be a steering member of the CHSA and support this project as it aims to expand access to life-changing opportunities for students in these states"

For more information, please contact: Alex Perry
Coordinator, College in High School Alliance
alex.perry@flpadvisors.com
(202) 431-7221

About the College in High School Alliance (CHSA)
The College in High School Alliance is a coalition of organizations dedicated to ensuring that high school students have access to quality college-level courses and experiences. Through its work, CHSA strives to promote policies and practices that support student access and success, and the broader goal of increasing postsecondary access for all students.