Minnesota Selected for National Cohort Around Dual Enrollment Policy

2/14/2025

 

Minnesota is one of seven states selected to join The Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy Cohort, a new initiative from the College in High School Alliance (CHSA) that seeks to advance dual enrollment policies across the nation. The cohort also includes New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.

Dual enrollment programs provide students with an opportunity to enroll in college courses while still in high school. By participating in dual enrollment, students are more likely to both continue and complete their postsecondary degree after high school.

"I am honored that Minnesota was selected for the Next Phase of Dual Enrollment Policy Cohort,” Dennis Olson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education said. “This is an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from both national experts and other states who share our commitment to educational equity. If we want to close attainment gaps, particularly for rural students and students with disabilities, opportunities like this are critical. Our involvement in this initiative will help us design dual enrollment experiences that truly reflect the diverse needs of our students and equip them with the tools to succeed."

According to the CHSA announcement, each state “will receive tailored technical assistance and funding” and “work alongside national experts from the College in High School Alliance to develop and implement action plans aimed at enhancing dual enrollment policies.”

In establishing the cohort, CHSA laid out three goals for participating states:

• Setting a Statewide Vision for Dual Enrollment: Each state will publish a vision for the role that dual enrollment plays in the state’s educational systems and in a student’s journey through high school and into postsecondary education.
• Expanding Dual Enrollment Access: Participating states will focus on expanding access to dual enrollment for rural students and other state-identified groups.
• Focusing on Intentional Dual Enrollment Experiences: States will work on creating structured pathways and programs that advance students towards college credentials or degrees, with an emphasis on providing high-quality counseling and advising.

Minnesota’s involvement will be led by the P-20 Education Partnership, an independent coalition formally established in 2009 whose members include senior leaders from the state’s early childhood, K-12, higher education, nonprofit, workforce development, and government sectors.

The two-year cohort is made possible with support from the ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, and Strada Education Foundation.

Read more about this cohort in the CHSA press release announcement.