Federal Playbook: Using and Advancing Federal Policy to Support Dual Enrollment
A Guide to Maximizing Federal Funding and Advocacy for College in High School Programs
September, 2023
States, school districts, and higher education institutions are increasingly looking to federal policy and funding to expand access to college in high school programs like dual enrollment and early college high school. Yet the pathways to leverage those funds are often complex and hidden within larger federal programs.
The College in High School Alliance (CHSA) created the Federal Playbook to help policymakers, practitioners, and advocates navigate existing federal opportunities and advance new policy solutions that expand equitable access to dual enrollment across the country.
Access the paper
CHSA Federal Playbook
What You’ll Find in the Federal Playbook
1. Using Federal Funds to Support Dual Enrollment
The playbook identifies how current federal education laws already support dual enrollment, including:
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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) — Funding through Titles I–IV can be used to expand dual enrollment opportunities for low-income students, English learners, and other underserved populations.
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Perkins V (Career and Technical Education) — Allows states and local recipients to use CTE funds for dual enrollment programs tied to workforce pathways.
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Higher Education Act (HEA) — Provides support through GEAR UP grants and other higher education partnerships.
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Other Federal Grants — Including COVID-19 relief funds, Innovation & Modernization grants, and Education Innovation & Research (EIR) programs.
Each section includes guiding questions to help state and district leaders identify how to access these funds strategically and align them to their equity goals.
2. Advocating for New Federal Policy and Funding
The second half of the playbook explores emerging federal proposals that could reshape how the nation funds and supports college in high school programs, including:
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State Grant Programs – New federal funding streams to help states close access gaps and expand systemic support for dual enrollment.
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Direct Program Grants – Competitive funding to support innovative dual enrollment models nationwide.
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Student Financial Aid Reform – Expanding Pell Grant eligibility for high school students taking college courses.
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Teacher Credentialing Support – Federal initiatives to help high school teachers gain the graduate credits required to teach dual enrollment courses.
It also outlines best practices for advocating with Congress and the U.S. Department of Education, including how to identify the right policymakers, structure meetings, and make effective data-driven asks.
Why It Matters
Dual enrollment is one of the most powerful, evidence-based strategies for improving college access, success, and workforce readiness — but federal support has not kept pace with program growth.
This playbook serves as both a policy roadmap and advocacy toolkit, empowering stakeholders to:
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Maximize use of existing federal funds for dual enrollment
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Push for new federal investments that promote equity and sustainability
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Align K-12, higher education, and workforce systems around shared goals
Who Should Use This Resource
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State education and higher education agency leaders
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Congressional and federal policy staff
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District and college dual enrollment coordinators
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National organizations advocating for college access and equity
Download the Playbook
Download the Federal Playbook (PDF)
Learn how to leverage federal policy and funding to expand equitable, high-quality dual enrollment opportunities in every state.
About the Authors
The Federal Playbook was authored by Alex Perry (College in High School Alliance & Foresight Law + Policy) in collaboration with Erica Cuevas (Jobs for the Future), Daryl Hornick-Becker (Bard College), Nick Mathern (Achieving the Dream), and Steve Voytek (Foresight Law + Policy)
