Jumpstart on College Act

## Summary The Jumpstart on College Act aims to boost postsecondary credential completion rates by expanding access to early college high schools and dual/concurrent enrollment programs. These programs allow high school students to take college courses and earn credits before graduating, reducing barriers to higher education. The bill authorizes $250 million annually from 2026 to 2031 to fund competitive grants for partnerships between schools and colleges (eligible entities) and states. Grants prioritize low-income students and those underrepresented in higher education. Funds will support curriculum design, teacher training, student outreach, and credit transfer systems, with a focus on ensuring programs align with workforce needs and academic standards. Annual reporting and evaluations will track progress, particularly in closing achievement gaps. ## Key Points - Funding Structure: Allocates $250 million yearly for six years, split between grants for eligible entities (40%), states (55%), and national activities (5%). - Eligible Entity Grants: Require partnerships between colleges and schools, with increasing non-federal matching funds (20%–50% over six years). Funds support program setup, teacher development, and student services. - State Grants: Mandate a 50% non-federal match. States must develop strategies to expand access, align high school diplomas with college standards, and address systemic barriers in state laws. - Student Support: Prohibits charging tuition/fees for college courses, ensures credits transfer, and prioritizes work-based learning (e.g., internships, apprenticeships) to connect education with career readiness. - Accountability: Requires annual reporting on student outcomes (e.g., graduation rates, credential completion), disaggregated by demographics like income, race, and disability status, to ensure equity and program effectiveness. ## Impact Areas - Primary: Low-income students, first-generation college students, and underrepresented groups in higher education, through targeted funding and support. - Secondary: High schools and colleges collaborating in early college/dual enrollment programs, receiving resources to improve curriculum, teacher qualifications, and infrastructure. - Additional: State education policies (aligning diploma requirements with college standards), workforce development (via partnerships with employers), and data systems (enhanced tracking and evaluation of student outcomes). *Technical Terms Explained*: - Dual/Concurrent Enrollment: Programs where high school students take college courses for credit. - Recognized Postsecondary Credential: Degrees, certificates, or industry certifications valued by employers and higher education institutions. - Four-Year Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate: Measures the percentage of students who graduate high school in four years, accounting for transfers and dropouts.