Hundreds of Pennsylvania high school students — including many in Berks County — are gaining a head start on college through expanded dual-credit programs supported by new state funding.
The Shapiro Administration announced $7 million in grants to 10 higher education institutions, bringing total investment in the Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program to $21 million. The funding supports programs that allow students to earn college credits before graduating high school at no cost.
In Berks County, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania received $816,914 to expand its Early College Academy, while Reading Area Community College was awarded $1 million to support its own dual-credit initiatives.
At Kutztown University, 68 students from 19 school districts are set to graduate this spring having already earned college credits through the Early College Academy. More than half of those students completed coursework aligned with education majors.
Altogether, the program’s first two cohorts have helped 80 students begin pathways toward careers in teaching before finishing high school.
“The first step of any journey is the hardest one, and that is especially true for young people today who are considering what to do after high school,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Dual-credit programs remove some of that risk from the equation and replace it with opportunity for students to explore their interests and earn college credits – without taking on debt.”
Kutztown University launched the Early College Academy in 2024 and expanded it the following year using nearly $950,000 in prior state funding. The program is designed to increase access for students in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, the program will adopt a hybrid format, with students attending classes on campus two days per week and one day virtually. Participants take two college courses per semester, earning up to 12 transferable credits — equivalent to one full semester of college — over the course of a year.
The upcoming cohort is expected to include 97 students from 24 school districts across Berks and neighboring counties, including 55 students pursuing the education track.
“With the Early College Academy, we are accelerating the post-secondary experience for students who will embark on important careers that continue to sustain the success of our communities,” said Kutztown University President Dr. Philip Cavalier.
State officials say the investments are part of a broader effort to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce pipeline, particularly in high-demand fields like education and healthcare. Kutztown University also plans to use its latest funding to introduce a new Health Sciences track.
In addition to dual-credit programs, the state has expanded support for future educators through initiatives like the Student Teacher Support Program, which offers stipends to student teachers. Applications recently opened for $10,000 stipends for the 2026–27 school year.
Officials say removing financial barriers remains a key focus.
“The PA Dual Credit Innovation Grant allows us to turn possibility into reality for students and families by removing financial barriers and opening clear pathways to college,” said Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean of Kutztown University’s College of Education.
Statewide, the Shapiro Administration has increased public education funding by nearly $3 billion over the past three years, including additional investments in K-12 schools, special education, career and technical education, and higher education.
Through the latest round of grants, institutions across Pennsylvania — including those in Berks County — will continue expanding access to dual-credit programs, giving more students the opportunity to begin their college careers early without the burden of tuition costs.