Us Congress Senate Bill SB1347

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/25
• Refer: 4/8/25

Caption

Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025

Impact

The proposed changes are set to modify existing legislation to increase opportunities for academic advancement among high school students. By permitting institutions to receive grants for the implementation of these programs, the bill is positioned to broaden the educational pipeline. This could result in enhanced college readiness among students and potentially increase graduation rates from both high school and higher education institutions. Additionally, funding allocated under this act is intended to cover tuition, fees, and necessary materials, effectively eliminating financial barriers that may prevent students from participating in these programs.

Summary

SB1347, known as the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025, amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to enhance college access by promoting dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school initiatives. The bill specifically aims to establish partnerships between local educational agencies and institutions of higher education to allow high school students to earn postsecondary credits while still enrolled in high school. This initiative is designed to make higher education more accessible for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or rural areas.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its goal of improving educational access, it may also face scrutiny regarding how effectively it can be implemented. Concerns arise over the equitable distribution of grants and whether they will adequately reach students who are genuinely in need, such as those from rural schools or low-income families. Furthermore, the requirement for institutions to submit evaluations of their programs could lead to debates about accountability and the actual impact of the funding on student outcomes. The effectiveness of the partnerships between educational agencies and institutions also raises questions on whether they can provide sufficient mentoring and support to students transitioning from high school to college.