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This resource presents valuable insights from interviews and focus groups conducted by Capitol Impact between May and October 2025 with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and employers. It highlights key challenges in dual enrollment, including inequities in access for underserved students, isolation in online courses, and logistical barriers like transportation and inconsistent resources. Administrative barriers, such as misaligned policies and systems, also disrupt program success. To address these issues, the report recommends strengthening K-12 and community college partnerships, offering family-centered orientations, integrating career pathways, and addressing equity gaps for priority student groups.

This quarter’s policy brief by Capitol Impact focuses on the Recovery with Equity recommendation adopted by the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative to make college more affordable. The brief analyzes how state policy and programs are addressing the cost of college as well as the implications and opportunities for the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative to make access to college more equitable and affordable for all learners. Considerations are presented for each Sacramento K-16 Collaborative workgroup, as well as opportunities for Collaborative advocacy.

This initial section of the policy brief outlines the state-level initiatives that influence education and workforce policy. Additionally, it includes a concise overview of student outcomes in higher education state-wide, highlighting areas of both growth and concern. By comprehending both student outcomes and these system-wide initiatives, the Collaborative can leverage potential opportunities for regional projects while also addressing any foreseeable challenges.

An overview of Los Rios’ Graduation Acceleration Initiative that aims to improve the student experience from application to graduation and transfer.

This initial section of the policy brief outlines the state-level initiatives that influence education and workforce policy. Additionally, it includes a concise overview of student outcomes in higher education state-wide, highlighting areas of both growth and concern. By comprehending both student outcomes and these system-wide initiatives, the Collaborative can leverage potential opportunities for regional projects while also addressing any foreseeable challenges.

Sharing Best Practices to Inform Action Plans

Sharing Best Practices to Inform Action Plans

This first section of the policy brief provides an overview of the state-level initiatives in play that will impact higher education policy. In addition, a brief overview of trends in the field offers insight into areas of concern and opportunity. Understanding the current system-wide initiatives allows for the regional projects of the Collaborative to take advantage of potential future benefits as well as attempt to mitigate any identifiable concerns.

The aim of the analysis is to provide decision-makers in the Dual Enrollment Workgroup of the Sacramento K-16 Collaborative with a deeper insight into what dual enrollment options and pathways exist within the Collaborative, and what supports may be needed to strengthen offerings for learners and their families.