The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and educators across the state are working together to support equitable participation in college credit in high school for Oregon students. We are working to enhance college credit in high school partnerships to better serve all students statewide. Here you can learn about this collaborative effort in Oregon and find opportunities for engagement.
Oregon's collaborative work to advance college credit in high school has gained momentum with a two-year policy development project through the
College in High School Alliance, starting in 2025. Oregon is one of seven states in this multi-state initiative working to advance state-level policy.
This work builds on an already close partnership between ODE, HECC and postsecondary institutions for implementation pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute 340.310 and Oregon Administrative Rule 715-017-0005. The HECC and ODE work with educators at high schools, districts, community colleges, and universities to develop and maintain state standards and policies. The current policies, including standards and guidance, are available at the page linked below.
A Joint Vision for College Credit in High School
With a goal to expand access to all students in high school, the HECC and the Oregon Department of Education share a vision for college credit in high school. The HECC approved this vision in December 2025. The vision was created in close partnership with ODE after collecting input statewide from teachers, faculty, program coordinators and community members. You can learn more about the background for this vision in the
December 11, 2025 Commission public meeting materials here.
Our Vision
In support of the state’s education and workforce goals, every student in Oregon will have access to college credit in high school.
In these courses, students will build skills, gain confidence, and get a head start on their path after high school.
Through intentional partnerships, high schools, colleges, and universities will create purposeful career and college experiences that reduce the cost of college and encourage students to imagine and plan for their future.
Working to Achieve This Vision
In 2026, the next milestones include a state-level advising toolkit, statewide engagement, and then, in 2027, identifying policy considerations for the Oregon Legislature. Each subsequent phase of the project will implement this vision. This work is informed by an advisory council, who advise staff on the development of college credit in high school initiatives.
Learn more about the Advisory Council for College Credit in High School coming soon
Advising Toolkit
We will soon launch an advising toolkit to support educators across the state as they work to support students with college credit in high school planning and decision-making. The toolkit will focus on two tiers of support: Access and Pathway Planning.
Opportunities for Engagement and Learning
We will share events and opportunities for engagement here in coming months.
Engagement Calendar - College Credit in High School Policy Considerations
The HECC is working on identifying policy actions related to college credit in high school to advance this work statewide. This may include prioritizing certain courses for college credit in high school, and encouraging high impact partnership practices that lead to strong access outcomes.