In this workshop, CCRC shared models of effective practice, data tools, and practice assessments from research on colleges and K-12 schools that are rethinking dual enrollment as an on-ramp to college and career pathways after high school for students from underserved groups. In this emerging approach to DE, which we call “dual enrollment equity pathways” or DEEP, colleges and their K-12 partners broaden the benefits of DE through:

DEEP Outreach: Reaching out to underserved students and families to encourage and support them to participate in DE

DEEP Alignment: Aligning DE course offerings to bachelor’s and career-technical associate degree and apprenticeship programs in high-opportunity fields,

DEEP Advising: Helping every DE student with career and academic exploration, advising, and planning

DEEP Support: Delivering high-quality instruction with proactive supports to build DE students’ confidence as college learners.

During the workshop, participants used research-based tools for benchmarking their practices against the DEEP model and reflect on strengths. Participants also identified and prioritized areas for investment and improvement in their DE programs. Participants learned how college-K-12 DE partnerships in diverse local contexts have implemented DEEP practices, as well as the leadership strategies, performance evaluation methods and metrics, and business models they are using to scale and sustain DEEP.

By the end of the workshop, participants were ready to communicate the purpose and direction of their work to strengthen DE. Participants were equipped with the tools to engage their respective school, district, and college partners in co-designing and implementing reforms aimed at advancing college and career success for their students—and supplying talent to support economic vitality in their communities.