Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young from Indiana and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire have reintroduced the bipartisan Fast Track To and Through College Act. This legislation aims to assist students in earning college credits during high school, utilizing Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual-enrollment credits towards their degrees. The bill also seeks to provide credit for introductory college courses taken while still in high school.

Senator Young emphasized the importance of early college programs, stating, “Early college programs provide students with affordable opportunities to prepare for postsecondary education.” He added that the bill would create pathways for high school students to earn college credits through advanced coursework and professional support.

Senator Hassan highlighted the readiness of many high school students for college-level work, saying, “Many high school students in New Hampshire and across the country are ready for college-level coursework." She stressed that these opportunities could help reduce tuition costs by allowing students to earn credits earlier.

The proposed act includes a competitive grant program designed to increase access to early college programs. It has garnered support from several educational organizations including AASA, The School Superintendents Association; Advance CTE; All4Ed; Association for Career and Technical Education; Bard Early Colleges; Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice at SNHU; Complete College America; Education Reform Now; Empower Schools; Jobs for the Future; KnowledgeWorks; Linked Learning Alliance; Massachusetts Alliance for Early College; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Urban League; New Hampshire Learning Initiative; Michigan Association for Computers in Learning, and Third Way.

A detailed summary of the Fast Track To and Through College Act is available online.