State Rep. Bronna Kahle’s plan to improve dual enrollment access for students seeking summer education opportunities was unanimously approved by the Michigan House.

Michigan high school students are able to take approved postsecondary classes and are eligible for tuition reimbursement; however, students taking classes in the summer months are limited in reimbursement eligibility because, under current law, the course must be within the school calendar year.

Kahle’s plan would amend the Career and Technical Preperation Act and Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act to allow students, if approved by the school district, to receive reimbursement for dual enrollment courses taken during the summer months when high schools are not in session.

“We must encourage students who seek to advance their education during the summer months, not penalize them,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “This plan makes it easier for students to take advantage of this great opportunity and shows that the state supports them in their educational goals.”

Rep. Kahle testified in support of the legislation before the House Education Committee in September. She was joined by Kyle Griffith, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and General Services at the Lenawee Intermediate School District.

“This plan allows students and their families to have a conversation with their local school district around the availability of taking college courses when their school is not in session,” said Griffith. “This is a victory for students and families to be able to access college dual enrollment, get a head start on college coursework, and reduce the amount of student debt they may occur as they pursue a postsecondary degree.”

The plan retains the current formula for students taking courses when school is in session and requires the Michigan Department of Education to publish guidelines for determining the reimbursement for students taking courses outside of high school session.

The legislation now moves to the Michigan Senate for consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Bronna Kahle testified before the House Education Committee in September along with fellow bill package sponsor, Rep. Ben Frederick (right), and Kyle Griffith, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and General Services at Lenawee Intermediate School District (left).