U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) Wednesday introduced the bipartisan Fast Track To and Through College Act, which would provide resources aimed at helping more students earn college credits while still in high school. These types of early college programs provide academically-prepared high school students the opportunity to receive college credit while they are still in high school.
“Early college programs help families avoid college debt while preparing students for postsecondary education. In Indiana, we have seen great success from programs like these,” said Senator Young. “Our bill aims to provide resources so states can create a fast track pathway for students that include access to advanced coursework, dual credits, and professional support.”
“New Hampshire high schools are leading the country in enabling high schoolers to earn college credits – which challenges them academically, better prepares them for college, and can even save them on future tuition costs,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad to work across the aisle to help expand and support high-quality early college programs, so that even more high school students can have access to them and ensure that their hard work will count for credit once they start college.”
The bipartisan Fast Track To and Through College Act would designate resources for programs that help more high schoolers receive college credit toward their future postsecondary degree. The bill supports early college programs by:
- Allowing students enrolled in early college programs to take as much as a full year of early college courses toward their postsecondary degree or credential
- Ensuring that students receive credit for the classes that they take by requiring public colleges and universities to accept credit from early college programs
- Expanding access to the programs by allowing Pell Grants to cover dual-enrollment costs for low-income, Pell-eligible students in states receiving a fast-track grant
Read a one-pager on the bipartisan bill here.
