Bill > S3359

This bill aims to increase college completion rates and reduce college costs by creating two new pathways for high school students to earn college credits and potentially graduate early: an early college fast track pathway and an early high school graduation fast track pathway. The bill would establish a competitive grant program for states to develop these pathways, which would allow students to earn postsecondary credits while still in high school through advanced coursework like Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, and early college high school programs. States would be required to develop statewide policies that enable students to potentially graduate high school in less than four years, create universal articulation agreements to ensure credit transferability between institutions, and develop standards for placement in college courses. The bill also includes provisions for Federal Pell Grants to be available to high school students participating in these pathways, starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. Priority will be given to states that propose multiple pathways, including those aligned with career and technical education, and those focusing on expanding access for historically underrepresented students. The bill includes a requirement for an independent evaluation of the program's impact by September 2031, examining outcomes such as advanced coursework completion, college enrollment, credit transfer rates, degree attainment, and overall degree costs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3359/all-info