Illinois students have been granted access to college level courses as a result of a new state law designed to make dual credit programs equally accessible across all Illinois school districts. House Bill 2967 was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-Illinois), July 30. The bill was also sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Illinois) and State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Illinois). Its purpose is to update the Dual Credit Quality Act to ensure that every student, no matter where they live, can earn high quality, transferable college credit while still in high school.

According to The State of Illinois Newsroom, “In order to ensure that every student of every background in every corner of our state gets the education they deserve,” Gov. Pritzker said. “We need to leave no stone unturned and no barrier unbroken.”

Prior to the bill being signed, not many students knew the possibility of enrolling in dual credit courses. DGN, although offering AP classes, did not advertise or offer many opportunities to register for dual credit.

“It’s a good opportunity for students,” dual credit PE teacher Christina Krein said. “They have an opportunity to earn college credit without having to take an AP class.”

Unlike AP classes, dual credit does not offer a final exam required for college credit. It allows students to take college level classes at their high school in order to earn credit towards both their high school and college diploma.

“Dual credit classes give high school students an important head start on their college careers,” State Rep. Howard said. “Dual credit classes can give students a life changing confidence boost by showing them they have the ability to take a college level class and succeed.”