Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education have announced that a recent report shows the state’s high school students have set a record in earning dual high school and community college credits for courses in the 2019/20 school year. Joint enrollment increased 2.4 percent to 51,800 students, which includes 216 associate degrees, 49 diplomas and 642 certificates earned while simultaneously earning a high school diploma. “In Iowa, we have put a strong emphasis on dual enrollment because it helps students get a head start on college coursework while lowering the overall cost of higher education,” says Gov. Reynolds. “There’s more work to do, but we continue to see the benefits of the strong partnerships that exist between business, industry and educators as they help students attain the necessary education for a successful career and exciting future.” High school students participating in joint enrollment accounted for 40.8 percent of total community college enrollment. Nearly 45 percent of participating high school students were seniors and 34 percent were juniors. “I am proud that Iowa makes joint enrollment available to all high schools across the state,” says Education Director, Ann Lebo. “We will continue to look at ways to ensure joint enrollment growth in future years as a means to jump-start student success in college and career training.”
