Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program
More than 55,000 high school students enrolled in at least one dual credit course during the 2023-24 school year. From 394 school districts, 47 charter schools and 19 career and technical centers, the students enrolled in more than 8,000 dual credit courses altogether. Dual credit programs allow high school students to take college courses and earn both college and high school credit. Dual credit courses also have been found to increase college readiness, college attendance, and college attainment, especially among traditionally underserved students. Yet, these students are underrepresented in dual credit courses.
In an effort to enable more underrepresented student access to dual credit programs, in July 2024, Section 2004-I of the School Code established the Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide funding for public colleges and universities to increase capacity to provide dual credit courses.
The inaugural grant funding is $14 million, and priority will be given to programs that expand current offerings with an emphasis on providing courses aligned with high-priority occupations and serving the following populations:
- Students experiencing education instability;
- Students enrolled in career and technical education programs;
- Low-income students;
- Historically underserved student groups; and
- Students in rural areas of the commonwealth.
Grant
The Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program provides funding to public institutions of higher education to include the following:
- An institution of the State System of Higher Education established under Article XX-A;
- A community college established under Article XIX-A;
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology;
- The Pennsylvania College of Technology; and
- The rural regional college established under Article XIX-G.
If the Department does not receive sufficient applications to expend the available funding, the department may reopen the grant application and award grants to State-related institutions and independent institutions of higher education.
Only one proposal will be accepted from each institution. Applicants may not apply as a consortium. Only the main campus may apply, and funds can be disseminated to branches as the institution deems appropriate if awarded.
Funding may only be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. For the purposes of this grant program, the law defines a school entity as a school district, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school or regional charter school.
Applicants must provide letters of support from each partner school entity receiving dual credit programming or services under this grant.
For access to the eGrants system and the related grant opportunities, prospective applicants must complete the eGrants Request Form. Please note that the person completing the grant application must have signatory authority to negotiate grants and contracts for the institution and be able to upload documentation into the eGrants system. Institutions with eSign ability in eGrants will be able to utilize this feature to complete the application.
The application for 2025:
Dual Credit Innovation Grant FAQ
The 2025 Dual Credit Innovation Grant is being offered to Pennsylvania’s public colleges and universities. This includes:
- An institution of the State System of Higher Education established under Article XX-A
- A community college established under Article XIX-A
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
- The Pennsylvania College of Technology
This is a new dual credit program resulting from the passage of Act 69 in July 2024. Whereas the prior dual credit program was directed to K-12 schools, this program offers grant funding for public colleges and universities and is the only dual credit program being administered by the Department this year. The public institutions must partner with school entities and center programming around underserved populations; however, consideration factors that reflect a district's/student population's wealth or affluence will not be a direct consideration as it was in the K-12 grant offered last year as much as the student population being served. Evaluations of the grant applications will consider how the proposal demonstrates that funds will be used equitably for supporting students experiencing education instability, from underserved racial and ethnic backgrounds, low-income households, rural communities, and those who face financial, academic, or systemic barriers. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate how funds will be used to engage students who might not typically enroll in dual credit courses or who are uncertain about pursuing postsecondary education. Institutions must upload letters of commitment from proposed partners (i.e. school district, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, or regional charter school). We encourage school entities to reach out to their local public colleges and universities to explore partnership opportunities.
There is no percentage limit for the grant, as we are aiming for costs to align with institutional policies. Applicants need to provide a detailed breakdown and description of all costs.
Yes, if the supplies and equipment will open the dual credit CTE courses to more students.
Yes.
Funding may only be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Reimbursables include course materials, faculty salary, possible mileage or transportation if teaching off-site, etc. A salaried position to support the management of the grant would not be eligible for reimbursement.
The priority is for institutions applying for the grant to cover the full expense of the course and allow for the course to run regardless number of students enrolled. Tuition should not be charged on top of the course-related expenses.
No. The grant intends to expand access to dual credit programs and improve the delivery of college credit coursework at high schools serving significant populations of underserved students.
There is no template, however, the state will be looking for significant partnerships with school entities where students are not typically participating in dual-credit courses due to financial, academic, or systemic barriers.
Yes, if the event will include targeted high school populations.
Historically underserved students are students who face barriers to education due to socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, gender, geographic location, or disability.
A student experiencing “educational instability” is a student who has one or more changes in school entity enrollment during a single school year as a result of any of the following:
- Homelessness, as defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and as determined by the school entity.
- An adjudication of dependency under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to child protective services) and 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters);
- An adjudication of delinquency under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 and 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 as disclosed at the discretion of the parent or guardian of the student; or
- An adjudication as part of court-ordered services under a voluntary placement or custody agreement.
Yes.
Yes, but the expectation is participation in such events is in pursuit of accreditation. Can we request annual accreditation expenses to be members? Membership fees to accrediting bodies are allowable.
If seats remain available in this scenario, the Department recognizes the benefit of allowing undergraduate students to enroll. Their participation provides dual credit students with exposure to matriculated role models and thought partners.
You may submit documents that support your application in addition to the required letters of support. Please be sure to reference the documents in your narrative.