Fast-tracking futures: how ASU’s dual enrollment program is increasing college readiness

Imagine graduating high school with college credits already in hand. At Arizona State University, the Accelerate ASU dual enrollment program is making this a reality for over 22,000 students in 500+ high schools nationwide, bridging the gap between high school and college. In today’s job market, where two-thirds of future roles are expected to require some postsecondary education or training, dual enrollment offers an accessible way for students to build valuable education foundations.

Research consistently shows dual enrollment’s impact on college readiness: students are three times more likely to complete a college degree, and 81% of dual enrollment students enrolled in college within one year of high school graduation—compared to ~70% of students overall. The importance of these programs is only expected to grow, as projections indicate that by 2031, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require postsecondary education or training. 

Beyond the credits: building confidence and a college-going mindset

While the benefits of dual enrollment are often seen in academic results, the effects can extend much deeper. By tackling college-level coursework early, students often gain the confidence they need to pursue higher education. Dual enrollment can be particularly valuable for students who may not have seen themselves as “college material.” 

“Dual enrollment provides an essential bridge,” says Dr. Audrey Moreno, senior director of national bridge partnerships at ASU. “It gives students the confidence to see themselves in college, preparing them academically in a way that feels attainable.”

Hawaiian culture meets college readiness at Kamehameha Schools

Accelerate ASU has expanded its reach to partner schools in regions across the country, including Hawaii. Kamehameha Schools, which serves students across three campuses, is including Accelerate ASU as a dual enrollment option while maintaining the school’s emphasis on Hawaiian culture. 

The collaboration between Kamehameha Schools and ASU began during the pandemic, when ASU Prep Global, ASU’s virtual K-12 school, partnered with the school to create and launch KS Digital, an online learning platform designed to meet the unique needs of Hawaiian students.

Today, this partnership now extends far beyond the creation of KS Digital as ASU Prep remains actively involved in working with Kamehameha Schools to design and adapt solutions that fit the evolving needs of students and the broader school community. One natural opportunity has included enabling students to earn college credit through Accelerate ASU. 

Since Kamehameha Schools started integrating Accelerate ASU’s dual enrollment opportunities, there have been clear benefits. Dr. Isaac Vigilla, dean of studies at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii campus, says his school has seen up to a 300% growth in dual enrollment participation, with nearly 100 of their 585 students enrolled. The partnership has also been helpful not only in terms of academics but also in student engagement and motivation. 

“Student feedback has been great. I think most of our students really enjoy the student-centered approach,” says Vigilla. “I think a lot of them, frankly, have understood…that if you’re on it and you complete the work, you will pass the course. And a lot of them are learning and getting exposed to different subject areas.” 

The collaboration has not only supported the broader mission of Kamehameha Schools, but provided students with personalized opportunities for growth. Students are discovering new passions and building confidence in their academic abilities while staying connected to their cultural roots.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth from students who we’ve accepted into the program that have been like, ‘Wow, I really can do this. I did get an A in my ASU college course.’ And it’s shifted their mindset,” says Vigilla. “There are a lot of really great stories, especially with some of the seniors I’ve accepted this year who self-admitted to fooling around the last three years, but now want to buckle down.”

Expanding access for growing communities at Agua Fria Union High School District

Located in the western Phoenix metro area, Agua Fria Union High School District serves nearly 11,000 students across communities like Buckeye and Goodyear—some of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Amid this rapid expansion, the district has faced challenges in providing advanced coursework, particularly finding credentialed teachers for dual enrollment programs. Accelerate ASU became a flexible solution.

“It’s hard to get teachers,” says Dr. Bryan Richman, Director of Nontraditional Programs at Agua Fria. “Being able to diversify what we offer by kind of outsourcing it is…a very easy lift for the high school.”

The school started with an initial pilot of English 101, a foundational course Richman describes as “low-hanging fruit” due to its relevance across degree programs. Not only was the course highly applicable for future college tracks, but its online format also proved helpful for addressing schedule challenges. In some cases, the flexibility of Accelerate ASU has helped students free up room in their schedules for courses previously unavailable to them.

“If a student is looking at one of the dual enrollment courses on their campus, but for whatever reason there’s a conflict with something else…having the ASU opportunity offers that relief,” Richman explains.

Though still in its early stages, the program has already built momentum and delivered promising results. 

“It’s more confidence for our system and for the students because the students can do it,” Richman says. “We just need to put the right things in front of them so that they pick it up.”

Building on the success of the initial pilot, the district plans to explore career certifications as part of its offerings, creating even more opportunities for students. “I think it’s just awesome that this is available,” Richman says. 

Expanding access to opportunity

For ASU, Accelerate ASU is part of a broader effort to increase college access and readiness through flexible, affordable programs that are adaptable for schools of all sizes and types. In 2024, the program saw a 58% year-over-year increase in student participation, with a 20% increase in high school partnerships. With plans to expand both its certificate offerings and college-level course access, Accelerate ASU has grown to be one of the largest university dual enrollment providers in the nation.

“We’re constantly adapting to meet the needs of our students and school partners,” says Moreno. “It’s about expanding college access in an equitable way and preparing students for a brighter future.”

By making college courses accessible to students early, ASU is helping set the stage for a generation of learners prepared for both higher education and the workforce.