Early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs), which enable students to earn credit towards a postsecondary degree or credential while still in high school, play a pivotal role in supporting students' postsecondary success. Research shows that students who participate in EPSOs are more likely to graduate high school, immediately enroll in college, and persist to completion than their peers. Additionally, because EPSOs offer students the chance to gain college credit at low or no cost, there is the potential for students to shorten their time to degree, thus serving as a valuable financial investment. When implemented effectively, EPSOs provide students with the opportunity to align their coursework with their broader academic and career goals (i.e. as identified in their individualized learning plans), receive support services from their school and college, and build the necessary skills and mindsets to be successful in college.

In recent years, dual credit enrollment, in particular, has seen a dramatic surge in the state. According to the CPE Dual Credit Report, participation in dual credit programs has increased by a staggering 75% between the 2014-2015 and 2019-2020 academic years. Furthermore, research has shown that students who participate in dual credit opportunities have a higher chance of achieving a college GPA of 3.0 or higher than their non-participating peers. Additionally, dual credit students are more likely to complete a college credential or transfer to a public university within three years compared to those who did not take advantage of dual credit. 

Ultimately, offering students access to early postsecondary opportunities such as dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and CTE articulated credit can significantly improve their chances of succeeding in college and their future career paths.