S. 1347: Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025, aims to enhance the availability of dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs. These programs enable high school students to earn college credits while still in school, bridging the gap between secondary and postsecondary education.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal is to expand access for high school students to college-level courses through partnerships between local educational agencies (schools) and institutions of higher education. This allows students to earn postsecondary credits while enrolled in public high schools, making college education more accessible and affordable.

2. Grant Awards

The Secretary of Education is authorized to award grants to eligible institutions to implement these programs. Key points regarding grant awards include:

• Grants can be awarded for up to 5 years.
• The Secretary may renew grants if the institution demonstrates positive outcomes.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To receive a grant, eligible institutions must submit an application that describes how they will partner with local educational agencies and expand access for students, especially those from low-income families, rural schools, or who are first-generation college students.

4. Use of Grant Funds

Funds from the grants may be used for various activities, including:

• Professional development for educators to enhance their ability to teach college-level courses.
• Designing course sequences that meet academic standards in collaboration with local educators.
• Establishing outreach programs to inform students and parents about available opportunities.
• Helping students meet eligibility criteria for postsecondary courses.
• Coordinating academic calendars between high schools and colleges.

5. Financial Support for Students

Grant funds can cover costs associated with dual enrollment programs, such as:

• Tuition and fees for postsecondary courses.
• Required instructional materials.
• Transportation costs, with a limit of 20% of total grant funds for this purpose.

6. Evaluation and Reporting

Institutions receiving grants must conduct independent evaluations on the effectiveness of their programs. They are required to report on:

• The number of students enrolled and the credits earned through these programs.
• The transferability of these credits to institutions of higher education.

The Secretary of Education will compile these evaluations into a report for Congress, submitted every two years after the initial report is due three years post-enactment of the bill.

Relevant Companies

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