Dual credit programs open doors to opportunity for students by helping them earn college credit while still in high school. So, on Monday, April 28, 2025. the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that the Shapiro Administration has awarded $14 million in grant funding to 15 public institutions of higher education to enable more high school students to enroll in dual credit programs across the Commonwealth, giving them more opportunities to chart their own course and prepare for successful careers. 

“Dual credit programs open doors for students to get a head start on college and career success,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “By investing in these opportunities, we’re helping more young people—especially those historically underrepresented in higher education—access in-demand courses that lead to credentials and careers our workforce needs. It’s about expanding opportunity and creating pathways to a future they choose.”

Dual credit programs improve student outcomes by enabling them to take college courses and earn credits for both high school and college – while still in high school. Dual credit offerings improve academic achievement, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion rates. In an effort to enable more underrepresented student access to dual credit programs, in July 2024 the School Code established the Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide funding for public colleges and universities to increase capacity to provide dual credit courses.

Awardees include:

Berks County
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, $946,951

Bucks County
Bucks County Community College (Main), $1,000,000

Cambria County
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, $1,000,000

Chester County
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, $576,066.74

Dauphin County
Harrisburg Area Community College (Wildwood), $808,454.13

Erie County
Erie County Community College, $1,000,000

Indiana County
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Main), $808,454.13

Lehigh County
Lehigh Carbon Community College, $1,000,000

Luzerne County
Luzerne County Community College, $1,000,000

Lycoming County
Pennsylvania College of Technology, $1,000,000

Northampton County
Northampton County Community College (Main), $860,161

Philadelphia County
Community College of Philadelphia, $999,982

Warren County
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, $1,000,000

Washington County
Pennsylvania Westen University, $999,931

Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County Community College, $1,000,000

Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal builds on his commitment to creating prosperous pathways for learners across the Commonwealth. The Governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes continued support for public higher education, calling for a $13 million increase for community colleges, a $40 million increase for PASSHE universities, and $60 million to be distributed via performance-based funding for Pitt, Penn State, and Temple.