Building a Stronger Talent Pipeline with Dual Enrollment

State lawmakers approved legislation expanding access to dual enrollment in the final days of the legislative session, highlighting the value of these programs in preparing students for their next steps after high school.

SB 427 passed the Senate with unanimous support April 29 and cleared the House May 4 with no opposition. 

SB 427 removes barriers to participation, strengthens coordination between K–12 schools and higher education, and reduces cost obstacles for students.

For employers, the bill represents a meaningful step toward better aligning the education system with workforce needs and strengthening Connecticut’s long‑term career pipeline. 

Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school, helping them gain earlier insight into what is required to succeed in college courses and postsecondary options. 

Programs like these support stronger education‑to‑career connections and help fill workforce gaps by getting students to certificates, degrees, and credentials faster. 

Closing Gaps 

Educators across the state say demand for dual enrollment is growing, but stronger statewide coordination is needed to ensure that the career pathways being built in high schools continue seamlessly into higher education. 

School districts modernizing career academies and industry‑aligned coursework have raised concerns about limited college and career options for high school students.

Without alignment, some students may not be able to complete the certifications or degrees needed for in‑demand careers. 

SB 427 creates clearer statewide pathways between high schools and colleges. 

SB 427 addresses these challenges by creating clearer statewide pathways between high schools and colleges. 

Support for expanding these programs spans higher education institutions, many of which have long partnered with high schools to offer college‑level coursework. 

As partnerships continue to expand, “these collaborations expose students to college‑level coursework, strengthen college readiness, and encourage more students to pursue postsecondary education after graduation,” said Jennifer Widness, president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges. 

What the Bill Does 

SB 427 tackles access issues by: 

• Improving the connection between high schools and colleges through the development of a statewide model agreement for dual and concurrent enrollment programs 
• Establishing a statewide dual and concurrent enrollment coordinator to track participation and outcomes  
• Reducing cost through a fee‑waiver grant program to help students access advanced courses 

For Connecticut’s business community, expanding college coursework in high schools is about workforce readiness that prepares students for what comes after high school. 

“Early access to college‑level coursework helps students see real pathways, not just possibilities,” said CBIA policy director Danielle Cloud.

“Dual enrollment gives students clearer direction, helping them step confidently into careers and the next phase of their lives.” 

CBIA supports policies that strengthen education‑to‑career pipelines, helping ensure Connecticut’s future workforce is prepared for the jobs and industries that drive the state’s economy. 

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Danielle Cloud (860.244.1911).