Sen. Markey, Rep. Espaillat Announce Legislation to Expand Dual Enrollment, Early College Programs | U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts

Jumpstart on College Act Introduced to Expand Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs

Bill Text (PDF)

Introduction

Washington (September 14, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) today reintroduced the Jumpstart on College Act. This legislation aims to expand dual enrollment and early college programs, empowering high school students in their junior and senior years to enroll in college courses and earn credits at little or no cost for them and their families. These programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education.

Affordability and Accessibility

Dual enrollment and early college programs make higher education more affordable for students, especially first-generation and low-income students, by reducing the number of courses they need to take as a student of a two or four-year higher education institution where they would otherwise have to pay tuition per credit hour. As a result of these programs, students complete their higher education degrees at higher rates.

Statements from Senator Markey and Representative Espaillat

“Every year, we see college tuition costs skyrocket and more young people suffer under the weight of student debt,” said Senator Markey. “Young people deserve a jumpstart on their higher education. As we fight to bring down the cost of a college degree and lift the burden of student debt off the backs of working families and low-income students, Congress has the opportunity to make investments that will open the doors of higher education to high school juniors and seniors. Our legislation is not just an investment in higher education, but it is also an investment in building a brighter future for hard-working Americans. Education must be for all – not just the wealthy and well-connected. I thank Representative Espaillat for his partnership in making college more affordable and accessible.”

“We know that education changes lives and the path to success in higher education and economic mobility includes the ability to get a head-start on college courses,” said Representative Espaillat. “Dual-enrollment in early college programs are successful and our legislative efforts aim to expand these programs to ensure more youth across the nation, especially from within low-income and underserved communities, will have access and the opportunity to achieve. I am proud to join Senator Markey, once again, to reintroduce the Jumpstart on College Act, to make quality higher education more accessible and affordable for students around the nation.”

Legislation Details

The Jumpstart on College Act includes the following provisions:

1. Invest $250 million each year to establish six-year grants to support dual enrollment and early college high schools that primarily serve low-income students.
2. Create a competitive grant program for colleges and universities to partner with local school districts to support the development of these programs.
3. Provide financial support to states in order to develop and implement a statewide strategy for increasing access to dual enrollment programs for underrepresented students.
4. Improve college affordability by ensuring students pay nothing to earn college credit while in high school, including completion of a college degree or other postsecondary credential.

Support and Endorsements

The Jumpstart on College Act is endorsed by various organizations including Achieving the Dream, Advance CTE, All4Ed, American Federation of Teachers, and many more. These organizations recognize the importance of expanding access to quality education and supporting initiatives that align with the SDGs.

Statements of Support

“Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges enthusiastically offer our endorsement of the Jumpstart to College Act,” said Nate Mackinnon, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges. “Early college and dual enrollment initiatives across the Commonwealth are a proven strategy for boosting student success, and we are pleased to support legislation aimed at expanding access and opportunities for these programs.”

Previous Actions by Senator Markey

In August, Senator Markey led his colleagues in writing to the Department of Education (ED) urging Secretary Miguel Cardona to use the Department’s advisory and investigatory authority to end preferential treatment for donor and legacy admissions. In July, Senator Markey and his colleagues sent letters to the federal loan services requesting support for federal student loan borrowers who will soon resume payments on their student loans. In May, Senator Markey and Representative Katie Porter (CA-47) announced the introduction of the Student Mental Health Rights Act, legislation to require the ED and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish guidance for colleges and universities to support students with mental health disabilities and substance use disorder, and to ensure these institutions are meeting existing federal civil rights law. Last November, Senator Markey sent a letter to the ED and the DOJ calling for stronger policies related to involuntary medical leaves of absence to ensure students with disabilities’ access to higher education is protected.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

The article discusses the reintroduction of the Jumpstart on College Act, which aims to expand dual enrollment and early college programs. These programs make higher education more affordable and accessible for students, especially those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.

The Jumpstart on College Act aims to provide high school students with the opportunity to enroll in college courses and earn credits at little or no cost. This aligns with Target 4.3, as it promotes equal access to affordable and quality tertiary education. Additionally, by reducing the number of courses students need to take in college, the act supports Target 4.1 by facilitating the completion of higher education degrees.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in Grade 2 or 3; (b) at the end of primary education; and (c) at the end of lower secondary education achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but to measure progress towards Target 4.1, the proportion of high school students completing college courses and earning credits could be tracked. This would require data on the number of students participating in dual enrollment and early college programs and their successful completion of college-level coursework. For Target 4.3, the participation rate of high school students in these programs could be monitored, specifically focusing on the proportion of low-income and first-generation students.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: markey.senate.gov

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