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119-hr-6133119th CongressWALLET

Jumpstart on College Act

Sponsored By: Representative Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

Introduced

Summary

Expand early college high schools and dual enrollment for underrepresented students. This bill would create federal grant programs, reporting rules, and national technical assistance to help more low-income and other underrepresented students earn college credits and recognized postsecondary credentials while in high school.

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  • Students and families: Students could earn postsecondary credits and recognized credentials during high school. Participating students must not pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses under the program.
  • States and K-12 systems: States could receive competitive, six-year grants but must provide a 50 percent non‑Federal match. Grants fund statewide strategy, technical assistance, policy changes, and alignment of diplomas with credit-bearing coursework.
  • Colleges and local school partnerships: Eligible partnerships of institutions of higher education and local educational agencies can get competitive grants up to $2 million per grant for up to six years to design programs, credential instructors, pay tuition and supports, and build transfer agreements.

*This bill would authorize $250 million per year for six years, totaling $1.5 billion, and would increase federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

$250M a year for early college

The bill would authorize $250 million each year for fiscal year 2026 and the next five years. At least 40% would go to eligible‑entity grants, at least 55% to State grants, and at least 5% to national activities. This funding would support early college high schools and dual or concurrent enrollment programs.

State grants to expand early college

The bill would give States competitive 6‑year grants to expand early college and dual enrollment for underrepresented students. States would need to match 50% of each year’s grant with non‑Federal funds. States would plan statewide strategies, remove legal barriers, provide technical help, and update diploma rules to align with college‑credit entry. They would add access and completion measures to accountability, build data reporting, run an accessible website, and coordinate with workforce and education programs.

Free college classes in high school

This bill would fund 6‑year grants to build or expand early college and dual enrollment programs. If funded, students in these programs would not pay tuition or fees for the college courses they take. Grants could also cover textbooks, equipment, transportation, and work‑based learning. Each grant could be up to $2,000,000, and up to 15% could go to better data systems. Colleges would transcribe credits earned, and instructors would meet college‑level standards.

Stronger reporting and grad‑rate rules

States and grantees would submit reports at least once a year using standard rules. Reports would show enrollments, credits earned, diplomas, credentials, and college enrollment, broken out by student groups. The Secretary would report to Congress each year and hire an independent evaluator within six months after enactment. Early college students who graduate within the program’s normal time would count in the high school’s four‑year graduation rate.

Grant priorities and rising local match

The Secretary would favor grants for programs serving at least 51% low‑income students, schools needing improvement, or States that help pay tuition, fees, or textbooks. Grantees would have to provide a match that rises over time: 20% in years 1–2, 30% in years 3–4, 40% in year 5, and 50% in year 6. In‑kind matches could count, but at least half of each year’s match must be non‑Federal. Funds would have to supplement, not replace, other Federal, State, or local funds.

Keeps school and college worker rights

The bill would not change any existing rights or bargaining terms for employees of school districts or colleges. All current laws, contracts, court orders, and agreements would still apply.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 11/19/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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