From the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI):
Dual Enrollment presents an opportunity to better prepare students for success in both high school and college. Soon most jobs will require some level of postsecondary education.[1] Dual Enrollment prepares students for the transition between secondary and postsecondary education and helps students get to and through their chosen higher education paths and career goals. By adequately funding Dual Enrollment and designing smart policies to promote student success, more high school students will enter college ready to learn, develop and graduate.
Dual Enrollment allows qualifying high school students to take college courses for free while earning both high school and college credit. The program helps address concerns about college affordability while increasing college access and success. State funds for public colleges and universities have fallen and led to tuition and fee increases.[2] Many families worry about affording a postsecondary education even as it becomes more necessary. During this period, policymakers have pursued ways to increase college access, especially for students who face barriers to a degree. These avenues include accelerated learning opportunities such as Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
This report analyzes increased Dual Enrollment participation and identifies the program’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. We offer recommendations for Georgia lawmakers based on these factors. Any discussion of changes to the funding amount or structure for Dual Enrollment must consider the consequences for Georgia’s students.
Click here to access the report.