Using Title IV, Part A Grants to Fund Dual Enrollment

Nearly 2.5 million high school students take dual enrollment courses every year.¹ Yet nationwide access to dual enrollment is uneven, limited by factors like cost, teacher shortages, and lack of transportation.

The combination of Title IV, Part A funding and online dual enrollment courses can overcome these limitations to expand college access in underserved communities. In this article, we’ll discuss what Title IV is, the benefits of dual enrollment, and how to secure Title IV funds.

What is Title IV, Part A?

Title IV, Part A—also known as Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)—is a $1.3 billion federal grant program with the goal to increase school districts’ capacity to:

• provide all students access to a well-rounded education
• improve school conditions for student learning
• make effective use of technology to improve academic achievement and digital literacy

As part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed in 2015, Title IV-A aims to ensure every student is prepared to succeed in the 21st century economy. That includes college and career readiness.

ESSA encourages schools to increase the availability of, and student participation in, dual enrollment courses under Title IV-A’s Well-Rounded Education category. The legislative statute for allowable SSAE activities includes “accelerated learning programs that provide postsecondary level courses accepted for credit at institutions of higher education, including dual or concurrent enrollment programs, and early college high schools.”

So if you’re looking to give your students a head start on their college education, Title IV-A grants can help fund dual enrollment at your school.

Eligibility for Title IV, Part A Funding

Title IV-A funding is distributed to school districts by formula based on their Title I-A allocation. 

As part of a school district’s annual Consolidated Application for federal funds, districts must describe how Title IV-A funds will serve schools that:

• are among those with the greatest needs
• have the highest numbers of students from low-income families
• are identified for comprehensive support and improvement
• are implementing targeted support and improvement plans
• are identified as a persistently dangerous public school

For more details, review our Title IV-A Grant Planning Guide.

Benefits of Using Title IV, Part A Grants to Fund Dual Enrollment 

Title IV-A supports a variety of allowable activities. Because funds are distributed by formula at the district level, not the school level, many districts form a Title IV-A Planning Committee to identify stakeholders’ top priorities.

Using Title IV-A grants to fund dual enrollment offers numerous benefits:

1. Significantly reduce college tuition costs: By covering a portion of the expenses associated with dual enrollment courses, Title IV-A grants can make higher education more accessible and affordable for students of all economic backgrounds. 
2. Prepare students for college academics: Enrolling in dual enrollment courses exposes students to rigorous, college-level coursework. This experience builds student confidence and develops the independent learning skills they need to succeed in college.
3. Improve student outcomes: According to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, students who participate in dual enrollment courses are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in a 4-year college.²

Plus, implementing an online dual enrollment program like Outlier by Savvas supports two of Title IV-A’s goals: providing well-rounded educational opportunities and using technology effectively. Online dual enrollment not only expands access to high-quality college courses, but it also improves students’ digital literacy.

Best Practices for Using Title IV, Part A Grants to Fund Dual Enrollment

To maximize the benefits of Title IV-A funding for dual enrollment, consider these best practices:

• Partner with higher education: Establish partnerships with local colleges or universities to create seamless dual enrollment pathways. Or consider online dual enrollment programs like Outlier by Savvas to expand course offerings and resources for your students beyond what’s available in your area.
• Offer student support: Anticipate potential challenges your students may face in a college-level course and implement appropriate support services. Academic advising and tutoring, for example, can help students thrive in your dual enrollment program.
• Monitor progress and impact: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your dual enrollment program and use of grant funds. Collect data on student outcomes, graduation rates, and college readiness to gauge the program's success.

For inspiration, consider these case studies of successful dual enrollment programs:

• St. Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee, WI, implemented Outlier by Savvas online dual enrollment courses to better prepare its students for college. Dual-enrolled students outperformed the AP national average with 77% earning transferable college credits. Student participation in the school’s dual enrollment program doubled the following year.
• Bridgeport High School in rural Washington partnered with a local college to offer dual enrollment courses in school at no cost to students. This collaboration eliminated the gap in dual enrollment participation between white students and students of color. The graduation rate for Hispanic students in the district now outpaces the statewide rate for the same population.³

How Much Does Dual Enrollment Cost?

Dual enrollment costs vary widely based on state policies, educational institutions, and specific programs. But it often comes at a discount compared to regular undergraduate tuition. 

Many states subsidize dual enrollment through scholarships to students or funding to local education agencies, while others require students to contribute a portion of their tuition.⁴ Title IV, Part A grants can help offset the costs of dual enrollment, making it an affordable option for your students. 

Title IV-A funds go further with online dual enrollment from Outlier by Savvas. These asynchronous, 39-week courses offer unlimited enrollment, with no minimums or maximums. That means any or all of your students can earn college credit right in your high school classroom, on your school schedule—eliminating transportation and scheduling issues. Plus, all course materials are included: no expensive textbooks or out-of-pocket exam fees.

Check out our College Readiness and Career Readiness blog to learn more about the best strategies to prepare your students for high school, college, and beyond.