U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) on May 19 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by accelerating time to degree, aligning secondary and postsecondary education, and improving postsecondary credit transfer.
“Our bill aims to provide resources so states can create a fast track pathway for students that includes access to advanced coursework, dual credits, and professional support,” said Sen. Young, who is the lead original cosponsor of the Fast Track To and Through College Act, S. 1719, which he introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
The bill would create a competitive grant program for states to create an early college strategy that aligns secondary and postsecondary course work and allows federal Pell Grants to cover dual-enrollment costs for low-income students enrolled in a fast track program, among other provisions, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s office.
“Early college programs help families avoid college debt while preparing students for postsecondary education,” Sen. Young said. “In Indiana, we have seen great success from programs like these, and their value will only be amplified as we continue to rebuild from the pandemic.”
If enacted, S. 1719 also would allow students enrolled in early college programs to take as much as a full year of early college courses toward their postsecondary degree or credential, and require public colleges and universities to accept credit from early college programs, the summary says.
The measure is supported by numerous community colleges and organizations, including the Alliance for Excellent Education, Complete College America, Education Reform Now, Jobs for the Future, the Middle College National Consortium, Modern States Education Alliance, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, among many others.
Last week, Sens. Young and Hassan worked to include elements of S. 1719, such as expanding access to college-level STEM classes for high school students, into the Endless Frontier Act, S. 1260, which they cosponsored on April 20 with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to help the United States boost innovation and outcompete China. The bill is currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate.