Dual Credit Expansion

Jacquelinne Lopez, 15, works with other students in a at Global Connections High School in Seattle, WA

Helping students earn college credits in high school—at little or no cost

Programs like Running Start and College in the High School allow Washington state students to earn college credits while still in high school. These dual credit programs can reduce college costs while exposing students to college and career pathways that match their skills and interests. Students who complete these programs are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college.

Unfortunately, not all students have equitable access to these programs.
While 59% of Washington’s high school students complete a non-CTE (career and technical education) dual credit course, that drops to 56% for Black students, 43% for students from low-income backgrounds, and 32% for Indigenous students. Only 15% of students from low-income backgrounds enroll in Running Start, compared to 26% of their peers.

Why this matters

High school students in Washington who participated in a dual credit program were much more likely to enroll in a two- or four-year degree program immediately after graduating (60% vs. 30%). Data shows that 82% of Running Start students enrolled in a postsecondary institution after high school, the highest of any dual credit type.

Our commitment

We’re working with partners to ensure all students have equitable access to dual credit programs that help them earn college credit while in high school—at little or no cost—and put them on a pathway to a postsecondary credential.

What students say they need

Recent research confirms that students want more guidance navigating their options after high school:

44%

44% of high school students said an expert to help them navigate the college experience would be “extremely helpful

43%

said having access to someone who could help them determine what career pathways best match their skills and interests would be “extremely helpful

Dual credit programs—when paired with strong advising support—can help students explore career interests, build confidence in college-level work, and reduce the time and cost required to complete a postsecondary credential.

What we’re doing

We’re supporting partners across Washington to expand equitable access to dual credit programs:

Regional partnerships

Through our Horizons Regional Grant Program and Limitless Learning Network, local partnerships are expanding dual credit offerings and helping students—especially those from underserved communities—understand and access programs like Running Start and College in the High School.

Aligning with workforce needs

Regions are developing new CTE and academic dual credit courses that align with local workforce demands, creating clear pathways from high school to careers.