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For Immediate Release  Contact: Kari Hudnell Phone: 202-955-9450 x324 Email: khudnell@communicationworks.com     STATES ARE EXPANDING DUAL ENROLLMENT POLICIES TO REACH UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS, INCREASE COLLEGE SUCCESS Jobs for the Future Urges More States to Act; Outlines Implementation Plan Download On Ramp to College Media Teleconference (audio)   Media Teleconference (transcript) BOSTON — May 29, 2008 — Dual enrollment is no longer just for gifted and talented high school students hoping to get a head start on college, according to a new report by Jobs for the Future (JFF). The report reviews trends in a growing number of states that see dual enrollment as a way to expand college opportunity—particularly for students who might not be considered college-bound. The report, On Ramp to College: A State Policymaker’s Guide to Dual Enrollment, shows how dual enrollment can serve as an “on ramp” to postsecondary education for students who are otherwise unlikely to attend college. The report also highlights examples of successful state-wide dual enrollment efforts and provides a step-by-step plan for policymakers to create successful programs and policies and to assess their current approaches. On Ramp to College also guides state officials in how to provide a wide range of students with equal access to dual enrollment and make it part of a continuous system for grades 9-16. “We are greatly encouraged to see states recognize that high quality dual enrollment courses can offer benefits to all high school students, not just those who are already college-bound,” said Marlene B. Seltzer, JFF president and CEO. “Dual enrollment is emerging as one of the most promising and cost-effective strategies we have for improving college-readiness, an assessment that rigorous research is beginning to confirm.” The report notes that in states that offer dual enrollment programs at no cost to students, 10 to 30 percent of juniors and seniors take part and earn college credit. Not only do college courses increase a student’s college readiness, but free college credits make earning a postsecondary degree or credential more affordable. Both these benefits are key for students on the bottom of the economic ladder who are far less likely to earn a postsecondary credential than students in middle- and upper-income families. According to On Ramp to College, most states developed dual enrollment programs to give advanced students a head start on college-level work and to keep them from being bored in their senior year. Few of these programs were designed to also serve as a bridge to college for those students not already college-bound. However, as dual enrollment programs become more common and a wider variety of students participate, the situation is changing. Several states are attempting to craft new and expanded dual enrollment policies. Among these are Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Utah, which are featured in the guide with examples of their legislation. In New York, for example, City University of New York’s College Now program introduces at-risk students to pre-college courses to help them develop the skills and habits that are necessary to succeed in college and beyond. “Research indicates that College Now participants tend to do better academically—completing more credits and continuing their studies—than their counterparts once they enter college,” said Matthew Goldstein, chancellor of the City University of New York. “This pre-collegiate preparation and extraordinary public service is inextricably linked to student success.” According to the On Ramp report, states can increase the likelihood of creating and implementing successful programs by following several guiding principles for dual enrollment efforts. Those principles are: Create a clear purpose; Provide equal access and eligibility; Offer high-quality course options and student support systems; Ensure adequate funding and systems to track data on quality and outcomes; and Build governance and alignment to ensure coordination between high schools and higher education institutions. “Most states can build on what they are already doing to improve and expand dual enrollment programs to reach and benefit a more diverse pool of students,” said Nancy Hoffman, report co-author and JFF vice president. “This is wise state policy and a sound investment of public dollars.” JFF is working to help states identify and implement aggressive policies to help more young people—particularly those from low-income families and low-performing schools—stay in and succeed in school as states raise academic standards and expectations. This report builds on previous reports from Jobs for the Future that call on state policymakers to institute programs to ensure more students graduate high school with a rigorous diploma that ensures college and work readiness.   On Ramp to College: A State Policymaker’s Guide to Dual Enrollment was written by Jobs for the Future’s Nancy Hoffman, vice president; Joel Vargas, program director; and Janet Santos, program manager. ### Jobs for the Future seeks to accelerate the educational and economic advancement of youth and adults struggling in today’s economy. JFF partners with leaders in education, business, government, and communities around the nation to: strengthen opportunities for youth to succeed in postsecondary learning and high-skill careers; increase opportunities for low-income individuals to move into family-supporting careers; and meet the growing economic demand for knowledgeable and skilled workers.