From a press release issued by VA Senator Tim Kaine

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine co-sponsored the Supporting College Access and Success Through Dual Enrollment Act, a bill aiming to help college-bound students save money by earning college credits in high school. Kaine has a history of supporting dual enrollment programs as a means of decreasing the expense of college.

The Supporting College Access and Success Through Dual Enrollment Act would give money to states in order to expand dual enrollment programs that would allow high school studentsto take college-level classes and earn credit towards both high school and college. According to US News, dual enrollment programs have many benefits, including reduction of costs. In Kaine’s home state of Virginia, more than 28,000 high school students already participate in dual enrollment programs.

“This legislation expands opportunities for students to get a head start on their college education and opens doors for families who didn’t think higher education was a realistic option,” Kaine said, “The rising costs of college and burden of student loan debt are hurting students long after graduation and we must start taking meaningful steps to make higher education more affordable for American families.”

The Supporting College Access and Success Through Dual Enrollment Act has been endorsed by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Association of Community Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors.

http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-announces-support-for-dual-enrollment-bill-to-help-students-afford-college