WASHINGTON, DC-  Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s new pilot initiative to expand access to college for high school students: 

 

“I applaud the U.S. Department of Education for its new dual enrollment pilot initiative to expand access to postsecondary education using Pell Grant funds.  Dual enrollment programs have been proven to work for low-income high school students and families. They reduce the time and cost of earning a college degree and increase college completion rates.

 

“Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 2065, the Go to High School, Go to College Act, to make dual enrollment opportunities more available to students around the country.  The objectives of the Act and its use of Pell Grant funds are very similar to the Department’s newly announced initiative.  

 

“The new pilot program is a good first step. I look forward to working with the Obama Administration for full implementation. We must work together to expand equitable access to dual enrollment programs for students in every state.”