Opening Doors to College Credit

Dual enrollment is one of the key ways our partners are helping students get a head start on college and careers. By taking courses that count for both high school and college credit, students gain early exposure to higher education while exploring the fields that interest them.

Recent research has found that dual enrollment is growing in popularity – both across Wisconsin and across the nation – but it's not happening evenly. In order to better understand the local landscape, Marquette University’s BLEST Hub set about conducting their own analysis, diving into state report cards to generate insights. One clear takeaway was that dual enrollment still remains low in many Milwaukee schools, falling well below the state average – and failing to serve some of the students who could benefit most.

The BLEST Hub is complementing this work with additional projects aimed at capturing student experiences, including barriers to participation and the impact on their college years. Beyond research, the BLEST Hub is also engaging in statewide conversations about policy, sharing findings and youth perspectives to inform efforts that expand access and equity. By combining local insights with broader policy work, they hope to ensure that dual enrollment can serve as a meaningful pathway for more students across Milwaukee.