Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Dale E. Kildee (D-Flint) introduced a bill to put students on a pathway to earning a postsecondary degree while attending high school.  The Fast Track to College Act authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships of school districts and local colleges and universities to establish or support “early college high schools” and “dual enrollment programs.” These programs enable students to earn college credits while they are in high school, reduce drop out rates, keep students engaged and provide a seamless transition for students as they graduate from high school and move on to college.

“Today, a college degree is what a high school diploma used to be – an indispensible part of a student’s ability to succeed economically and be an informed citizen,” said Kildee, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.  “The Fast Track to College Act will provide students around the country with the opportunity to earn up to two years of college credit at no cost to their families, at the same time they earn their high school diploma, giving them a critical boost towards a college degree.”

The Fast Track to College Act will target at-risk students by supporting grantees’ efforts to coordinate with the community, design and implement curriculum, professional development, academic and social support services, and other activities that promote academic achievement.  It will provide greater access to high quality early and middle college high schools and other dual enrollment programs, such as those that are now preparing students for college and the workplace in Michigan and around the country.

"This bill will give more students a pathway to a college education and make America's workforce more competitive. It will help us get new investment and more good-paying jobs in Michigan and across the country," said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

"We are thankful for Congressman Kildee's leadership to move this legislation forward, and we are pleased to be part of an effort to accelerate the timeline of high school students experiencing college-level courses," said Genesee Intermediate School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Svitkovich.  "Genesee Intermediate School District has been a leader in Early/Middle College programming with the initiation of Mott Middle College seventeen years ago. We see the Early/Middle College model as an economic development strategy, and we are fortunate to be one of those pioneering communities in the nation addressing the challenging economy with visionary programs like these."

“Far too many students, particularly minority and low-income students, fail to graduate high school or attend college,” said National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel. “In October 2006, NEA released our 12-point drop-out prevention action plan. One of our proposals called for creative partnerships between high schools and colleges to expand students’ graduation options. The Fast Track to College Act by Representative Kildee, Representative Emanuel, and Senator Kohl will move us closer to that goal by providing funds for early college high schools and other dual enrollment programs that will assist students to earn both a high school diploma and up to one or two years of college credit.  I am also pleased that the bill ensures that secondary school teachers and college faculty will be involved in the design of these schools.”

Representative Kildee was joined in introducing the legislation by Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI).