How Early College and Dual Enrollment Can Make a Difference for the Community

Early college and dual enrollment programs can have a positive ripple effect into the entire community or neighborhood that they are based in. By helping more low-income and first-generation students make the jump to full-time college education, dual enrollment alumni can become advocates and resources in the community to help their siblings, younger relatives and friends make this jump as well. Research on early college programs has demonstrated that participating students are able to outperform their peers in high school and college. Rigorous research has shown that early college and dual enrollment programs generate a positive return on investment through higher earnings and career trajectory.