WASHINGTON, DC—The Center for American Progress Action Fund and Jobs for the Future commend Congressman Dale Kildee (D-MI) and Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) for introducing the Fast Track to College Act of 2009 (HR 1578 / S.627) and support prompt passage of this bill.
The bill would create a competitive grant program to support Early College High Schools and other types of dual enrollment programs—educational programs that combine high school and college so students can earn credit toward a postsecondary degree while in high school. By exposing students to college-level work and a college-going culture, these programs prepare students for the rigors of a college education, motivate them to complete a postsecondary degree, and save them time and money in the process. Passage of this bill would make college a reality for a greater number of students.
John Podesta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, asserts that, “This important legislation recognizes that success in today’s knowledge based economy is linked to college level skills. By exposing students to rigorous academics, Early College High schools and dual enrollment programs put more students on a path towards college completion..”
“Early College High Schools are meeting President Obama’s recent charge: By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world,” adds Marlene B. Seltzer, President and CEO of Jobs for the Future. “This innovative legislation aligns with the President’s vision and recognizes that young people need a postsecondary education to reach their maximum potential to ensure our nation is prosperous over the long run.”
To speak with our education experts at CAPAF, Cindy Brown and Robin Chait, please contact John Neurohr at [email protected].
To speak with JFF president Marlene Seltzer or Youth Transitions vice president Nancy Hoffman, please contact Jass Stewart at [email protected].