This is a copy of a message distributed by Amy Williams, Executive Director for the National Association of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.
Hello NACEP Members,
Happy Wednesday to you all! I wanted to share some exciting news from the White House.
On Monday, President Biden released his budget request for the US Dept. of Ed. for fiscal year 2025. The President’s budget is submitted annually to Congress and outlines proposed spending aligned with the administration’s priorities. Ultimately, Congress determines what will be funded and to what level.
This is the first time a President has openly supported a significant investment in dual enrollment programs.
The FY 2025 budget included a proposal to create a new $7 billion Classroom to Careers program. While the details are TBD the proposal outlines a plan to provide states with matching funds to expand access to up to 12 credits of career-connected dual enrollment at no cost for students. Those attending our Washington Policy Seminar next month will have the opportunity to learn more about this proposal from Assistant Secretary of Education at OCTAE, Amy Loyd, when she joins us to share about the continued interest and investment in dual enrollment at the US Department of Education.
Also included in the FY25 proposal is $57 million in funds for Career Connected High Schools. Those who attended last year’s Washington Policy Seminar may recall Deputy Assistant Secretary at OCTAE, Luke Rhine, soliciting feedback about this proposal during his session. That program, funded at a lower level in FY23 recently awarded $25 million in grants.*
While this is very exciting news, it is important to note that actual investment at the proposed level in the near term is unlikely due to a variety of factors.* That said, this is still a BIG WIN for the field.
For the past five years, NACEP has coordinated with six other national organizations through the College in High School Alliance (CHSA) to strengthen our voice and advocate for federal policy to elevate these programs and close gaps in equitable participation. Unified advocacy at the federal level is working. We are hopeful that this is another concrete step towards expanded investment in these programs at the federal level. At the very least it is clear signaling that recognition of the importance and value of these programs continues to rise.
We will keep advocating for expanded funding to support the work you are doing daily to connect students to opportunities through dual and concurrent enrollment. Your NACEP membership plays a vital role in ensuring NACEP can continue to do that work for you.
Thank you for all you do for students, and for NACEP!
Amy and your NACEP team
*Special thanks to CHSA’s Alex Perry for the additional context surrounding the likelihood of funding and current investments in USED for dual enrollment.
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Amy Williams
Executive Director
National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP)
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