HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education has officially opened applications for $14 million in Dual Credit Innovation Grants, an initiative aimed at expanding access to dual credit programs for high school students, with a focus on underserved populations. Approved by the state in 2024, this funding will allow public higher education institutions to enhance their capacity to deliver college-level coursework at high schools across the state, giving students a unique opportunity to gain college and high school credits simultaneously.
“Dual credit programs help high school students get a jumpstart on their postsecondary education—saving them time and money, exposing them to the expectations and realities of higher education, and preparing them for their chosen careers,” said Pennsylvania’s Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer. “This grant program will open up these critical educational opportunities to more students across the Commonwealth, especially those that are traditionally underserved, ultimately benefiting all of Pennsylvania’s schools and communities, as well as our workforce and economy.”
Dual credit programs have demonstrated significant benefits, including improving college readiness and degree attainment, particularly for underserved students who often encounter systemic barriers to pursuing higher education. Data from the 2023-24 school year showed participation from over 55,000 high school students across the state, who enrolled in more than 8,000 dual credit courses offered by 394 school districts, 47 charter schools, and 19 career and technical centers.
Eligible institutions—Pennsylvania community colleges, PASSHE universities, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, and Pennsylvania College of Technology—can apply for up to $1 million each in grant funding. The application deadline is Monday, February 10, 2025, by 2 p.m., and all submissions must be completed through the Department of Education’s eGrants system.
Priority will be given to institutions aiming to serve students facing significant challenges, including those experiencing educational instability, rural students, and low-income or historically underserved populations. Offering tuition-free dual credit courses, providing academic supports, and using no-cost or low-cost textbooks are among the key funding priorities.
The grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives, including the operation of tuition-free dual credit courses, professional development for high school teachers to qualify them as instructors of these courses, and securing external accreditation for the programs through organizations like the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
With expanding access to dual credit opportunities, Pennsylvania takes another step toward making higher education more accessible and affordable for all. This funding initiative promises to equip students not only with academic credentials but also with the preparation needed for long-term success in high-priority career fields.
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