RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia is one of seven states chosen by the College in High School Alliance — or CHSA — to develop and implement policy plans that will further their role as national leaders in dual enrollment. Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses and earn college credit while still in high school,and it’s on the rise in Virginia and around the nation. For its part, Virginia will be focusing on improving access to dual enrollment. Interim Virginia Community College System Vice Chancellor For Instruction Support Services, Dr. Micol Hutchison says some of the primary challenges facing dual enrollment are transportation, public awareness of its benefits, and a lack of qualified faculty to deliver the programs.

Next month, VCCS will send a team of four representatives, headed by Hutchison, to Philadelphia, PA where they will meet with coaches to understand and address those challenges. Under the two-year project, each of the participating states will receive tailored technical assistance and funding from CHSA to advance policies that maximize the benefits for dual enrollment students, particularly those from underrepresented populations.

Virginia Education Secretary Aimee Guidera says the state is eager to participate and “this is a fantastic opportunity to refine and expand our dual enrollment programs, particularly in rural communities where access to higher education is limited.