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119-s-2892119th CongressWALLET

Jumpstart on College Act

Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Introduced

Summary

Expands federally funded early college and dual enrollment programs to help more low-income and underrepresented students earn recognized postsecondary credentials while still in high school. It funds six-year competitive grants for local partnerships, formula and competitive grants to States, and national evaluation and technical assistance to boost credential completion and program quality.

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  • Students and families: Grants must ensure students pay no tuition for postsecondary courses and that credits earned are transcribed. Programs must report credentials earned and diploma completion so outcomes are tracked, including completion within 100 percent of normal time.
  • States and local education agencies: States receive six-year formula grants to build statewide expansion strategies, remove participation barriers, update diploma requirements, and provide technical assistance. States must match 50 percent of each annual State grant.
  • Eligible entities and higher education partners: Competitive entity grants are capped at $2,000,000 and run for six years. Entity grants require a phased match that rises from 20 percent to 50 percent over the grant period and prioritize projects serving at least 51 percent low-income students.

*Authorizes $250 million for fiscal year 2026 and for each of the five subsequent fiscal years, increasing federal spending by $250 million annually over FY2026–FY2030.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Local grants for early college programs

This bill would create competitive six-year grants for local partnerships to start or grow early college and dual enrollment programs. Grants would be capped at $2 million each, and up to 15% could pay for data systems. Students could not be charged tuition for postsecondary courses paid by the grant, and credits must be transcribed. Grantees would face a rising local match: 20% years 1–2, 30% years 3–4, 40% year 5, and 50% year 6, with at least half of each year's match from non-Federal sources.

Federal funding for early college

This bill would authorize $250 million per year starting in fiscal year 2026 and each year through FY2030. Each year at least 40% would fund local competitive grants, 55% would fund State grants, and 5% would fund national activities. The Secretary could use part of the national share for administrative costs. These dollars would support expanding early college and dual enrollment programs nationwide.

State grants with 50% match

This bill would let States compete for six-year grants to expand early college programs. Each year a State got a grant it would need to provide non-Federal funds equal to 50% of that year's grant. States could use money to offset tuition for low-income students, build transfer systems, and support program quality. Up to 15% of a State grant could be used for data systems and reporting.

Annual reports and national evaluation

This bill would require the Secretary to seek an independent evaluator within six months to study program outcomes. The evaluator would track student progress into postsecondary education and report outcomes by student groups. The Secretary would analyze grantee data and send Congress at least one report each year, and provide technical help to States and programs.

Employee rights preserved

This bill would not change employees' existing rights at local schools or colleges. Existing laws, contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and court orders would still apply. The bill would not alter employee remedies or procedures.

How early college graduates count

This bill would say that students who graduate on time from an early college high school supported by a grant would count in that school's four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate. "On time" means within the normal time for completion described in the program application. This would affect school accountability and public reporting.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 12/2/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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