Washington (November 26, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey, member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Representative Mark Takano (CA-41) announced the reintroduction of the Jumpstart on College Act, legislation to expand dual enrollment and early college programs, which would empower high school students in their junior and senior years to enroll in college courses and earn credits at little or no cost for them and their families. Senator Markey and Representative Espaillat previously introduced the Jumpstart on College Act in September 2023.
Dual enrollment and early college programs make higher education more affordable for students, especially first-generation and low-income students, by reducing the number of courses they need to take as a student of a two or four-year higher education institution where they would otherwise have to pay tuition per credit hour. As a result of these programs, students complete their higher education degrees at higher rates.
“Dual enrollment and early college programs eliminate barriers to higher education, especially for low-income and first-generation students,” said Senator Markey. “The Jumpstart on College Act would expand these programs, lowering the cost of college and boosting college graduation rates. Every student should have the opportunity to achieve their educational dreams.”
“We know that education changes lives and the path to success in higher education and economic mobility includes the ability to get a head start on college courses. The Jumpstart on College Act will open doors and unlimited opportunities for underserved students to earn real college credit while still in high school, getting a jump start on their academic achievement,” said Representative Espaillat. “By expanding access to dual-enrollment programs and other resources, this legislation is essential in helping support students and their families towards academic success.”
“At a time where more and more young people believe the American dream is out of reach, dual enrollment programs lower the cost of higher education and help them achieve a degree faster,” said Representative Takano. “As a former high school teacher, I know firsthand that providing students the option to take rigorous courses will give them the confidence to pursue higher education — especially students who are the first in their family to go to college. I am proud to co-lead Rep. Espaillat’s Jumpstart on College Act to ensure that the wealth of these programs are available in school districts everywhere, not just those that can afford them.”
Specifically, the Jumpstart on College Act would:
“States have made tremendous progress expanding dual enrollment, but without sustainable funding and infrastructure, growth can only go so far. The Jumpstart on College Act gives states the resources they need to build durable systems that support every student,” said Alex Perry, Coordinator of the College in High School Alliance. “This bill recognizes that high-quality dual enrollment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires strong state policies, data systems, transfer frameworks, and advising infrastructure. Jumpstart on College provides the funding to make these systems work at scale.”
“We are deeply grateful for Senator Markey’s work and leadership on this legislation. Massachusetts has a bold and growing Early College Initiative and it would be extremely helpful to get the federal government more invested in this evidence-based and highly impactful effort,” said Chessye Mosely, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.
“Expanding early college opportunities is one of the most effective ways to close equity gaps in higher education,” said Nate MacKinnon, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges. “Massachusetts has seen the life-changing impact of early college, and we fully support legislation that will allow those successes to reach students nationwide.”
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