Fifth Year High School Concurrent Enrollment
The bill mandates that local education providers receive funding to cover 3% of the per-pupil extended high school funding amount for each ASCENT participant, specifically to address non-tuition expenses like books, fees, and transportation. Another major modification is the repeal of provisions requiring students to repay tuition if they fail to complete a concurrently enrolled course. This change aims to reduce financial barriers, encouraging student participation in the program without the fear of incurring debt for unsuccessful courses. Overall, the implications of the bill are expected to enhance the educational pathway for many students, decreasing dropout rates, and promoting higher educational attainment.
House Bill 1002 aims to expand student access to postsecondary education through the Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) program. Under current legislation, students must complete a minimum number of postsecondary credits to qualify for ASCENT participation, but this bill significantly reduces that requirement. It also eliminates the cap on the number of students who can participate in the program, allowing every qualified student chosen by their local education provider to enroll in postsecondary courses while still in high school. This approach is intended to improve access to higher education for a broader array of students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.
Though the bill has garnered support for its potential benefits, it could also raise concerns among stakeholders regarding funding adequacy and resource allocation. Critics may voice worries about the long-term implications of an open enrollment policy for all qualified students, particularly regarding state budgetary constraints and local education provider capabilities to handle increased enrollment. The repeal of the tuition repayment requirement might also lead to debates about responsibility and accountability in educational programs. Legislators and education advocates will need to address these issues as part of ongoing discussions around HB1002's implementation and scale.