A PROMISE DEFERRED: EXPLORING URBAN BLACK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACCESS TO DUAL ENROLLMENT

Abstract

Dual enrollment programs provide high school students with an invaluable opportunity to access college-level courses and gain an early start on their higher education journey. This action research, titled "A Promise Deferred," investigates the systemic barriers faced by Black high school students in accessing dual enrollment opportunities, with a specific focus on the College Transfer (CT) pathway of the Career and College Promise (CCP) program in Durham, North Carolina. Despite the promise of dual enrollment, Black students in urban areas, particularly in Durham, experience significant disparities in participation rates and academic support. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative interviews, focus groups, and surveys with quantitative analysis, to uncover root causes of these disparities. Key barriers identified include limited accessibility to information, logistical challenges, and insufficient school support, with findings revealing that over 70% of students were unaware of CCP sessions. Family dynamics and the lack of structured outreach further compound these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Grounded in the belief that the experiences and perspectives of Black students can inspire transformative change, this research highlights the importance of community-based outreach and partnerships with local organizations to foster equity and opportunity. Recommendations include the implementation of dedicated dual enrollment counselors, expanded transportation assistance, and stronger collaboration between schools and community networks. The findings aim to inform educational policy and practice, serving as a foundation for future activism and policy change to address disparities in Durham and offer insights applicable to similar urban settings. Ultimately, "A Promise Deferred" seeks to illuminate pathways for dismantling systemic barriers and advancing equity, social justice, and access for Black students in dual enrollment programs, paving the way for a more inclusive educational landscape.