POWELL, WYOMING – High school students across Wyoming now have expanded access to college-level coursework, thanks to a new state-funded initiative designed to streamline the transition to higher education and reduce financial barriers for families.
Dual enrollment allows eligible high school students to enroll in college-level courses, earning credit that counts toward both their high school graduation requirements and future college degrees or certificates. These courses are taught by college instructors and may be completed at a college campus, an outreach center, or through online and video-based distance learning.
The program’s expansion is supported by a significant investment from the 2026 legislative session. State lawmakers established an annual $10 million dual enrollment reimbursement program (W.S. 21-13-341), which helps alleviate financial pressure on local school districts and community colleges. This ensures that students across the state have uniform access to these programs, independent of local property tax or mill levy fluctuations.
Additionally, the Wyoming Community College Commission received a one-time appropriation of $750,000 to assist specific student populations that may not be covered by the primary reimbursement program, including certain homeschool students, private school students, public state-authorized charter school students, and students at the Wyoming Girls’ and Boys’ Schools or Bureau of Indian Affairs schools.
Dual enrollment is primarily designed for high school juniors and seniors, typically age 16 and older, who meet course prerequisites. Freshmen and sophomores may also be eligible, depending on permissions from their high school and higher education institution. Students may be required to take a placement test if prerequisites have not been met, depending on the course and formal agreements between school districts and higher education institutions.
Interested students are encouraged to reach out to their high school counselor or a college student adviser to learn more about course offerings, prerequisites, and the application process.