Beyond College Access: An Exploration of the Short-Term Impact of a Dual Enrollment Program

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to gain insights into the activities and outcomes associated with participation in the Temple Education Scholars (TES) dual enrollment program, an initiative for seniors attending high school in a large city in the Northeast region of the United States. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to inform the design and implementation of dual enrollment programs as a model for facilitating students' transition from secondary to postsecondary education and supporting their future success in college; and (2) to describe the short-term impact of participation in a dual enrollment program on participants' choices about postsecondary education. Our analysis revealed the ways that participating in this dual enrollment program shaped students' attitudes, motivations, and perceptions about college knowledge, college readiness, and college opportunities. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.