New Jersey Commission Advocates for Expanded Dual Enrollment Opportunities for High School Students

The New Jersey Dual Enrollment Study Commission has released a report advocating for broader access to dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. The Commission was established to study the expansion of dual enrollment programs and issue a framework for their expansion.

Research has shown that students who participate in dual enrollment programs are more likely to graduate high school, less likely to need remedial math or English upon entering college, more likely to receive a higher grade point average in their first year of college, and more likely to take less time to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The Commission recommends implementing an innovative pilot program, particularly aimed at low-income students, to facilitate the expansion of dual enrollment opportunities. The pilot would provide models of high-quality programs that can serve as templates for other communities to implement effective dual enrollment policies.

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education, and Dr. Brian K. Bridges, Secretary of Higher Education, both express support for the Commission's recommendations, emphasizing the importance of dual enrollment for college access, affordability, and success.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, 20.3% of New Jersey's 11th and 12th graders were enrolled in at least one dual enrollment course, an increase from 17.3% in the 2017-2018 school year. However, participation varies widely across student demographics, with lower enrollment rates for African American, Hispanic, English Learners, and migrant students.

To improve access and participation, the Commission's report suggests a multi-pronged approach, including creating a three-year pilot program, allowing for program flexibility, increasing state-level support, clarifying terms in state regulations, creating a statewide database, and developing a toolkit and technical assistance for schools.

The NJDOE and OSHE have already begun supporting these recommendations by releasing website resources and providing technical assistance for schools and colleges looking to expand dual enrollment offerings. The Commission's co-chairs, Dr. Mark McCormick and Dr. Michael Vinella, express pride in collaborating to develop practical recommendations that will lead to greater opportunities for New Jersey high school students.

For more information, the full report can be accessed online.

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