SENATE DOCKET, NO. 780        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John C. Velis

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 780        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 362 OF 2023-2024.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act to expand dual enrollment for high school students in Gateway Cities.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Chapter 15A of the General Laws, as so appearing in the 2022 edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 9B  the following new section:-

Section 9C. The department shall administer the Access College Early (ACE) Program, subject to appropriation, providing needs-based financial assistance for high school students eligible for the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP). Such assistance shall be granted to students living in or attending high school in a gateway municipality, as defined in section 3A of chapter 23A, and who also qualify for or receive free or reduced-price lunch under the federally-funded school meals program. Students receiving financial assistance under the ACE Program will participate in CDEP at no cost and may earn up to 24 college credits.