State Senator Cristina Castro is moving forward with a plan to expand high-quality dual credit options that will save Illinois students time and money toward their degree while they earn college credit.

“Finishing high school with college credits already completed can open the doors to a meaningful higher education experience,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By enhancing the dual credit network across Illinois’ 48 community colleges, we are putting more students – not just those who can afford college tuition – on a fast track to success.”

Dual credit instruction makes higher education more attainable, especially for first-generation and lower-income students, by offering high school students the opportunity to earn both college and high school credit through a single course. Students who earn dual credit in high school complete their college and university degrees at higher rates and are often able to save money as a result of having fewer college credits to pay tuition for.

Students have flocked toward dual credit programs in recent years. Illinois saw an 11.5% increase in dual credit enrollment in 2024 compared to the prior year.

Castro is leading House Bill 2967 to ensure students have access to high-quality dual credit programs in Illinois. Under the legislation, school districts would be required to seek partnerships with local community colleges to offer dual credit courses to students. School and community college districts would need to work together to ensure their curriculum is in line and establish provisions like class sizes. Recognizing that some students might not have access to a nearby college campus, the legislation would allow credentialed high school instructors to teach dual credit courses at high schools, further reducing the burden on students.

“In Illinois, we invest in students because we know that’s what it takes to continue being the best place to raise a family, get a high-quality education and advance your career and future,” Castro said. “We can raise the standard and become even more competitive by enhancing our dual credit ecosystem and encouraging academic success.”

House Bill 2967 passed the Senate on Thursday with bipartisan support.