The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that $6.7 million in grant funding has been awarded to 100 school entities to enable more high school students to enroll in dual credit programs across the Commonwealth, giving them more opportunities to chart their own course and prepare for successful careers.

“Dual credit programs help high school students get a jump start on their postsecondary coursework, build their confidence, and set them up for future success,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “When Gov. Shapiro talks about giving students the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunities to succeed, this is what he means. By expanding dual credit opportunities across the Commonwealth, we will help more students access these programs, become exposed to new opportunities, and begin to chart their own course to successful and fulfilling careers.”

Local recipients include Carbon Career & Technical Institute, $75,000; Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, $75,000, and Northern Lehigh School District.

Dual credit programs improve student outcomes - helping learners prepare for college and setting them up for future success in higher education - by enabling them to take college courses and earn credits for both high school and college. Dual credit offerings improve academic achievement, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion rates.

Awardees will use up grant funding to create or expand equitable and innovative dual credit opportunities for all secondary school students, including students experiencing educational instability, students enrolled in career and technical education programs, low-income students, and historically underserved student groups.