Bill
S 459
Creates the ACE Program to provide needs-based, no-cost dual enrollment via CDEP for low-income high school students in gateway cities, allowing up to 24 college credits.
Status: Referred to committee (Codes). Introduced: 02/06/2025. Filed (docket): 01/14/2025. Hearing scheduled: 06/03/2025 (per legislative actions). Presented by Sen. John C. Velis (petition also names Rep. Kelly W. Pease).
Purpose
- To expand access to dual enrollment college coursework for low‑income high school students who live in or attend schools in Massachusetts "gateway" municipalities by creating a needs‑based financial assistance program so eligible students can participate in the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP) at no cost.
Key provisions
- New statutory section added to Chapter 15A (inserted after section 9B), creating Section 9C.
- Establishes the Access College Early (ACE) Program, to be administered by "the department" referenced in Chapter 15A (the state higher education agency), subject to appropriation.
- ACE provides needs‑based financial assistance to high school students who:
- Are eligible for the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP), and
- Live in or attend high school in a gateway municipality (as defined in section 3A of chapter 23A), and
- Qualify for or receive free or reduced‑price lunch under the federal school meals program.
- Students receiving ACE assistance participate in CDEP at no cost and may earn up to 24 college credits.
Who would be affected
- Primary beneficiaries: low‑income high school students who live in or attend school in designated gateway municipalities and meet CDEP eligibility.
- Secondary impacts: local school districts in gateway cities, participating public colleges and community colleges offering dual enrollment courses, and the Executive Office/Department responsible for administering Chapter 15A programs.
- Fiscal impact: the program requires appropriation; statewide costs will depend on take‑up, per‑student funding amounts, and legislative budget decisions.
Implementation & timeline notes
- The ACE Program is contingent on funding appropriated by the Legislature; the statute creates authority but does not itself allocate money.
- Covered students may earn up to 24 college credits under the program.
- Next legislative steps noted in the record: committee referrals (Commerce, Science & Transportation; Education; Codes), and a public hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025.
Related/legislative context
- The bill builds on the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP) framework that allows high school students to take college courses for dual credit.
- Related or companion measures and prior‑session bills are listed in the legislative record (e.g., HR 1094, SD 780, A 5212, prior-session S/A bills), indicating prior attention to similar proposals.
Potential impacts
- Expands college access and college‑credit accumulation for eligible Gateway City students, likely improving college readiness and reducing postsecondary costs for participants.
- Concentrates resources on economically disadvantaged students in communities designated as gateway municipalities, aiming to address equity gaps.
- Implementation will require administrative setup and funding decisions by the Legislature; costs and program scale will depend on appropriations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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