Getting a head start on college coursework in high school has become an even more important goal for high school students in recent years, due in part to the rising costs of obtaining traditional four-year college degrees coupled with the disruptions in learning for high school and college students because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Student today want more choices beyond the “college” or “no college” paths and faster ways to earn college credits. Accelerated postsecondary pathways models marry the academic experience of dual-enrollment programs—where high school students take college-level courses either at their own schools or at local institutions of higher education—with workforce exposure and, in some models, preparation for specific industries. The accelerated pathways models can enable students to earn credentials faster, increasing their chances of completing their degrees or industry-recognized credentials, or securing employment in reliable careers. The Accelerate ED Initiative aims to expand access to these kinds of programs, with the intention of attracting students who are not typically selected for or encouraged to pursue traditional dual-enrollment programs.
This brief from MDRC draws from an analysis of data, surveys, and conversations with leaders from K-12 and postsecondary institutions, as well as industry and community-based leaders who participated in the Accelerate ED Initiative and implemented accelerated pathways models in 2024. The brief highlights strategies for leaders of similar accelerated pathways models to consider as they design, implement, and expand their pathways models to a larger scale.