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Connecticut State Community College (CT State) hosted a series of five early college summits this fall with local high school partners to expand dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to get a head start on their college education while they are still in high school.

The summits brought together close to 300 attendees, including high school administrators, school counselors, and teachers from high schools across Connecticut.

During the events, CT State shared updates on the programs and courses available, along with the benefits of dual enrollment. Dual enrolled students can access college credit-bearing courses taught at their high school, at the college’s campus, or online.

Discussions focused on strategies to broaden student participation in the program and strengthen connections between the college and high schools, with emphasis on building partnerships in health care, manufacturing, information technology/computer science, education and business pathways.

“Dual enrollment gives high school students an incredible opportunity to begin their college journey while linking directly to CT State’s free tuition program,” said CT State President O. John Maduko, M.D. “These partnerships are invaluable, helping students save time and money while ensuring they are better prepared for success in higher education."

CT State’s dual enrollment program has helped 9,715 students earn a total of 42,814 college credit hours in the past two years, providing a significant financial benefit to families. Currently, CT State enrolls 30 percent of all dual enrollment students in Connecticut, with 181 high schools participating.

Currently, juniors and seniors who meet academic eligibility requirements can take high school partnership courses free of charge. CT State is also drafting a policy to expand access to dual enrollment opportunities for ninth-grade students, offering more students the chance to earn college credits earlier in their high school careers.

Key Benefits of Dual Enrollment for Students

  • Higher likelihood of attending college immediately after high school
  • Increased probability of graduating from college
  • Ability to complete college with less debt and in a shorter timeframe

Dual Enrollment Pathways at CT State

• Concurrent Enrollment: College courses are taught at the high school by qualified high school teachers.

• Dual Enrollment: Eligible high school students can take college courses taught by college faculty members, on campus or online.

In addition to earning college credits, concurrent and dual-enrolled students gain access to resources at CT State campuses.

For more information on dual enrollment opportunities at CT State visit https://ctstate.edu/earlycollege.