US HB7117

H.R. 7117 - Fast Track To and Through College Act

• Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to create a new competitive grant program for states to accelerate college completion by establishing "early college fast track pathways" (allowing high school students to earn a full year of college credit through dual enrollment, AP, or IB courses) and "early high school graduation fast track pathways" (providing scholarships to students who graduate high school in 3 years or less).

• Requires participating states to develop statewide articulation agreements guaranteeing that postsecondary credits earned through these pathways transfer to any public institution in the state and count toward degree requirements.

• Extends Federal Pell Grant eligibility to high school students participating in early college fast track pathways, with grants capped at the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies, and these semesters excluded from the 12-semester Pell Grant lifetime limit.

• Mandates that at least half of grant funds support underrepresented student populations, including low-income students, first-generation college students, students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, and foster youth.

• Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with 5-year grants to eligible state partnerships that include the state educational agency, all public 2-year and 4-year institutions, and at least one high-need local educational agency.