The Fast Track To and Through College Act establishes a federal grant program to help students earn college degrees faster and more affordably by supporting "early college fast track pathways"—programs that allow high school students to take advanced coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment) that counts toward a college degree. The bill provides competitive five-year grants to state partnerships involving K-12 schools, public colleges, and workforce agencies, with priority given to programs serving high-poverty districts and expanding career and technical education options. To receive funding, states must align high school graduation requirements with college entrance standards, ensure college credits transfer across public institutions and participating private colleges, and guarantee equitable access by assessing and informing students of opportunities by grade 12. A key provision allows high school students in approved programs to receive Federal Pell Grants beginning July 1, 2026—normally unavailable to high school students—with initial grant semesters not counting against the 12-semester lifetime limit. The bill authorizes funding through fiscal year 2030 and requires an independent evaluation by 2028 to assess program results.
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