How Accelerate ASU is expanding dual enrollment and college access for high school students nationwide
Accelerate ASU is helping thousands of students earn college credit in high school—while building the skills, confidence and mindset they need to thrive beyond graduation.
For more than 22,000 high school students across 500+ schools, Accelerate ASU is changing what’s possible. Through flexible, barrier-free dual enrollment, students are earning college credit before graduation—building momentum toward higher education and gaining valuable experience in the process.
The benefits go well beyond the transcript. Research shows that students in dual enrollment programs are three times more likely to complete a college degree. But for many learners, especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities, the true impact is mindset. Tackling college-level coursework while still in high school helps students see themselves as capable and college-ready.
“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.”
That bridge looks different in each community. In Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha Schools has partnered with Accelerate ASU to integrate up to 60 college credits into a culturally grounded curriculum. Nearly 100 students now participate—a 300% growth since launch. Educators say the program has improved engagement, expanded student mindsets and helped learners connect academic progress with their Hawaiian identity and values.
In Arizona’s rapidly growing Agua Fria Union High School District, Accelerate ASU provides a critical solution to staffing and scheduling challenges. By offering foundational college courses online, the district can meet rising demand for dual enrollment without stretching local capacity. “Being able to diversify what we offer by kind of outsourcing it is…a very easy lift for the high school,” said Dr. Bryan Richman, director of nontraditional programs.
In 2024 alone, Accelerate ASU saw a 58% increase in student participation and a 20% increase in school partnerships. With growing demand for flexible, career-aligned education, ASU is expanding its offerings—including plans for more certificate-based pathways.
At its core, Accelerate ASU reflects the mission of the ASU Learning Enterprise: to meet learners where they are, reduce barriers and provide personalized, affordable entry points into higher education.