S. 2892: Jumpstart on College Act

The Jumpstart on College Act aims to enhance educational opportunities for high school students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented populations. The bill directs the Secretary of Education to distribute grants to establish or support early college high schools and dual or concurrent enrollment programs. The goal is to help more students complete a recognized postsecondary credential within the standard time frame.

Key Provisions

• Funding: The bill authorizes $250 million in funds each year for six years to support these initiatives.
• Competitive Grants: Grants will be awarded to eligible entities, which include higher education institutions working with local educational agencies and possibly other organizations. These grants can be up to $2 million and will last for six years.
• Grant Matching: Recipients of grants must contribute matching funds over the duration of the grant, increasing their contribution as the years progress.
• Priority for Low-Income Students: The bill emphasizes providing support primarily to programs that serve a student population where at least 51% are low-income students.

Requirements for Eligible Entities

To qualify for grants, eligible entities must:

• Establish partnerships with local educational agencies.
• Show commitment to supplement, rather than replace, existing funding sources.
• Submit applications detailing their plans to serve students and achieve educational outcomes.
• Report annually on their progress, including data on student enrollment and completion rates.

State Grants

In addition to individual grants, the bill provides for competitive grants to states, which must also use funds to support early college high schools and dual enrollment programs. States are expected to develop strategies to improve access and raise graduation and completion rates for underserved students.

Overall Objectives

The main objectives of the Jumpstart on College Act include:

• Increasing the number of students who earn postsecondary credentials while still in high school.
• Improving educational outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students.
• Fostering collaboration between high schools and higher education institutions to streamline students' transition into postsecondary education.
• Providing technical assistance and best practice recommendations for implementing effective programs.

Reporting and Oversight

Grantees will be required to provide detailed, annual reports to the Secretary of Education, including disaggregated data on student demographics and academic achievements.

National Evaluation

The bill also mandates a national evaluation of the programs funded, to assess efficiency and student outcomes over time, ensuring accountability and best practices are shared across different entities.

Relevant Companies

• EDU - New Oriental Education & Technology Group: May be involved in partnerships or provide services related to educational programs that align with early college initiatives.
• DATA - Tableau Software: Could potentially provide data analytics solutions to help monitor and evaluate the outcomes of programs funded under this act.