Some rural states are expanding or launching dual-enrollment programs this year in an effort to increase college graduation rates, according to a recent article by USA Today.
Utah and Colorado are two of the most recent states to roll out programs that encourage students to take college-level courses during high school. In Utah, a $1.3 million program will allow students to take courses through a live videoconferencing system this fall. In Colorado, schools will receive $500 for each student who completes a college-level Advanced Placement course and exam.
Research has found that students’ participation in dual-enrollment programs can increase the likelihood that students will graduate from high school and attend college. Rural students are less likely to attend college than their non-rural peers, and rural schools often have challenges in offering dual-enrollment courses due to a lack of qualified teachers, transportation, and funding.
A recent report from The Education Commission of the States offered several strategies to increase dual enrollment, including paying for teachers to become certified in dual enrollment courses, providing courses online, and covering the cost of programs for students.