Bill > HCR069

This concurrent resolution recognizes April 2, 2025 as Early College Day at the State House, highlighting the importance of the Early College Program (ECP) in Vermont. The resolution notes that the percentage of Vermont high school students pursuing postsecondary education has declined, and the ECP offers a solution by allowing high school students to simultaneously complete their senior year and first year of college. Established through a 2013 act encouraging flexible pathways to high school graduation, the program represents a small portion (0.4%) of the Education Fund expenditures and aims to increase postsecondary enrollment among students who might not otherwise consider higher education. The resolution emphasizes recent positive developments, including a 250% increase in low-income student enrollment at the Community College of Vermont and the high likelihood (79%) of associate degree graduates seeing a positive return on their educational investment. By designating this specific day, the resolution acknowledges the ECP's potential to influence students' educational and career aspirations while strengthening Vermont's future workforce. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Community College of Vermont's president and the Secretary of Education.

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.C.R.69