MILWAUKEE — Based on available state report card data, just 3.8% of high school students in Milwaukee are participating in dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to take college-level courses for college credit, according to “Equity in MKE: Breaking Down Dual-Enrollment Data,” a report released by the BLEST (Black and Latino/a Ecosystem and Support Transition) Hub at Marquette University.
This report is released as a bill is under consideration with the Wisconsin State Senate to create the Council on Dual Enrollment in the Department of Workforce Development.
The BLEST Hub’s report used state report card data for 29 Milwaukee-area high schools and found 17 schools were participating in dual enrollment programs. According to the survey, just 3.3% of Black students, 4.1% of Latino/Hispanic students, and 3.1% of students categorized as “economically disadvantaged” are participating in dual enrollment. Wisconsin’s statewide average is 26.6% according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum. The report highlights that the gaps may be related to data reporting, but are important for considering questions of access, equity and potential of these educational experiences.
- Equity in MKE: Breaking Down Dual-Enrollment Data is available online
According to the report, “Both the map and the demographics of the schools without dual enrollment participation demonstrate that these are concentrated geographically and have high numbers of Black, Hispanic/Latino, and economically disadvantaged students. Still, it is important to keep in mind that some of these schools serve specific populations, such as Transition High School. The demographics and the lack of dual enrollment reflect structural challenges, including limited resources, historical injustices, and more.”
Data was based on 2022-23 Wisconsin State Report Cards and reflects primarily public high schools. The BLEST Hub is currently working on an update to these numbers using the 2023-2024 report cards.
According to a July 2025 Wisconsin Policy Forum report on dual enrollment, “Providing students with opportunities for college or university coursework is a priority for Wisconsin, as demonstrated by its inclusion on the state’s school report cards and its popular adoption across high schools. Dual enrollment is the most widespread of these programs and has been steadily growing for the past decade, perhaps due to the range of benefits that dual enrollment programs offer students and schools.”
This report was prepared by Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor of educational policy and leadership and faculty director of the BLEST Hub; Ali Shana, doctoral student and research assistant in the College of Education; and undergraduate research assistants Tai Rush and Max Almazan.
Housed in Marquette’s Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach (CURTO), the BLEST Hub began in 2019 as a collaboration among major educational institutions in Milwaukee, including Marquette, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College and Milwaukee Public Schools.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
