Dual-enrollment plans can bridge educational gaps

As we remember the invaluable contributions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many other civil rights trailblazers this month, let's not overlook the pivotal role of education in the path to equality.

Recently, the Associated Press reported that the gap between wealthy and poor school districts in Pennsylvania has widened dramatically in the last four years because of budget cuts. At the same time, public institutions of higher education throughout the commonwealth are experiencing a significant decline in enrollment. In particular, historically black colleges and universities, like Cheyney and Lincoln Universities in Chester County, are facing a particularly steep drop in students as a result of decreases in federal funding and scholarship and loan programs.

How can we help both financially struggling school districts and student-starved universities? Two words: dual enrollment.

All too often, our efforts to assist school districts focus solely on their lowest-performing students. However, many students in underfunded schools miss out on the opportunity to take higher-level and Advanced Placement courses due to a lack of financial resources, necessary materials, and available teachers. As a result, their route to college credit - which could result in college enrollment - is again blocked by the failure to support basic educational needs. We are failing them, too.

Dual enrollment can reopen that path while revitalizing enrollment at universities where it is needed the most.

For example, why not afford top students at underserved Philadelphia high schools the opportunity to take college-level classes at Lincoln and Cheyney? Why not give them the chance to interact with faculty members, many of whom have ties to the Philadelphia community and thus could serve as ideal mentors? Is there any doubt that getting these young people involved in college-level classes earlier will put them on track to continue their higher education and get a degree after high school?

Dual-enrollment programs have recently been launched at several high schools and colleges in our region. This year, the Oxford Area School District established a pilot program with Cecil College that will allow 20 students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. In December, Cabrini College forged a partnership with eight Pennsylvania high schools to offer juniors and seniors the chance to earn up to 30 college credits. And the West Chester Area School District just announced plans for a dual-enrollment program at West Chester University next year.

According to a recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts, it costs about $12,570 to educate a Philadelphia student each year. The Cheyney and Lincoln costs for dual-enrollment credits would be considerably less. But if we are going to spend that much, why not offer students the opportunity to learn at the top of their potential while working toward college credit? In doing so, we also help shrink the seemingly insurmountable financial burden of higher education.

Dual-enrollment programs can be a win for struggling high schools, for universities, and for students who are ready to learn at the college level but may be deterred by the costs. We strongly believe that we have both a duty and a moral obligation to give every student the opportunity to get to the head of the class. Dual enrollment can go a long way in bridging the gap to higher education and making it more accessible to all.

As King said, "Education is the road to equality." Let's make dual enrollment the on-ramp to success.