College Credit in High School
College in high school programs — programs that allow students to earn college credit through taking college courses offered in partnership between institutions of higher education and high schools — introduce postsecondary options to students early. When students have access to college courses in high school, they are more likely to persist in college and earn a degree. Yet too few students have access to these programs, particularly students of color — especially Black, Latinx, and Native American students, and those from low-income backgrounds.

Our Equity-Centered Approach
We work alongside our partners from the New York Equity Coalition to champion policies that provide equitable access to college credit in high school. We advocate at the state and district level to ensure programs center equity and are accountable to both student performance and postsecondary success. That starts with removing barriers to access for students of color and from low-income backgrounds while increasing data transparency about the access to and outcomes of college credit in high school programs — also known as early college and dual enrollment programs.
Latest Resource
Report: The Promise of Early College Pathways in New York State
Data from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways (NY4ECP) underscores the significant impact of early college programs in boosting college enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates for New York’s most marginalized students. With only 32% of high school graduates from underrepresented backgrounds completing high school on time, NY4ECP’s findings demonstrate how early college pathways are bridging the equity gap, preparing students for both higher education and meaningful careers. For students of color and and those from low-income backgrounds, early college pathways offer an invaluable opportunity. These programs not only ease financial barriers to college but also foster a smoother transition to postsecondary education, raising the odds of success.
Data Snapshot
Only
%
of young people in New York City report having access to dual enrollment courses.
In New York
%
of students from low-income backgrounds who took early college courses in high school graduated college in four years, compared to only 23% of their peers.
More Resources
EdTrust-New York Executive Budget Request, FY2025-26
Our policy agenda is premised on the belief that all children can succeed in school when provided with high-quality, culturally relevant instruction and support that is equity-driven, data-centered, and student-focused.
EdTrust-New York Statement on NY Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address
Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State proposal includes several important proposals that will advance educational equity for New York children, students, and their families.
Testimony: 2023 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing — Elementary and Secondary Education
As the budget season progresses, we presented before the New York State Senate and Assembly 2023 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing regarding elementary and secondary education priorities.
State of the State 2023 Priorities
A critical moment: Governor Hochul’s State of the State presents ideas and opportunities to advance educational equity
EdTrust-New York statements on 2022 State of the State proposals
The following can be attributed to Dia Bryant, executive director of EdTrust-New York: “Governor Hochul’s State of the State agenda includes several promising proposals to advance educational equity in New York State from birth through college and into the workforce....
Dual enrollment programs allow Yonkers Public Schools graduates to get a taste of college
Students in the Yonkers Public Schools have an opportunity to take college-level classes through a number of different programs that aim to better prepare them for the more rigorous courses they will encounter in college. Since Superintendent Dr. Edwin M. Quezada took...