The "First 15" initiative is a key component of the Kansas Board of Regents' goal under Pillar One: Family – Access and Affordability. This initiative aims to create opportunities for eligible Kansas high school students to earn at least 15 college credit hours at no cost, providing a valuable head start on their college education.

Currently, a dedicated working group has been established to accomplish the goals of the "First 15" initiative. This workgroup is focused on developing a pathway that makes these courses accessible to eligible high school students.

first 15 working group members

Composition of the Working Group:

• Rusty Monhollon, KBOR Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chair
• Secondary school representative (recommended by KSDE)
• Secondary school representative (recommended by KSDE)
• Community college campus representative (recommended by KCIA))
• Community college campus representative (recommended by KCIA)
• Community college campus representative (recommended by KCIA)
• Technical college campus representative (recommended by KCIA)
• University campus representative (recommended by university provosts)
• University campus representative (recommended by university provosts)
• KBOR Academic Affairs Staff

First 15 working group charge

The working group is charged with:

1. Recommending the five distinct courses that comprise the “First 15.”
2. Providing recommendations for a funding framework that offers students the “First 15” courses at no cost.
3. Recommending a standardized dual/concurrent enrollment framework that applies to all Kansas school districts and dual/concurrent enrollment providers to deliver the “First 15.”
4. Reviewing student enrollment requirements to ensure dual/concurrent enrollment is offered to all students who can benefit from taking dual/concurrent enrollment courses.
5. Ensuring that every high school in Kansas that has students who can benefit from dual/concurrent enrollment courses has access to a provider that can deliver the “First 15” at no cost to the student.
6. Reviewing and suggesting revisions as necessary the Board of Regents’ Dual/Concurrent Enrollment policy to facilitate the implementation of the “First 15” to all Kansas high schools, regardless of size and location.
7. Assessing the costs and benefits of requiring all dual/concurrent enrollment providers to be accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
8. Completing the above tasks no later than May 1, 2025, for the Board’s consideration at its May meeting.

first 15 working group timeline

working group meeting dates