Swim Digital Group Launches National Study on Dual Enrollment Student Pathways

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, October 12, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Swim Digital Group, a higher education consulting firm, has launched a groundbreaking national research study aimed at understanding how community and technical colleges connect dual enrollment students to career pathways. The initiative, titled The First Mile Study, will examine the critical period from a student's first interest in dual enrollment through the close of the first college term, with the goal of establishing the field's first shared benchmark.

The study will select up to 12 colleges for the inaugural cohort, each of which will receive a $30,000 Research Partner Grant from Swim Digital Group. These grants will cover half of the $60,000 participation cost, with the remaining half to be contributed by the colleges themselves. The initiative seeks to address the high attrition rates among dual enrollment students, many of whom do not continue their education after high school.

Trimeka Benjamin, President and CEO of Swim Digital Group, emphasized the importance of this study.

The study will focus on three key areas: access, experience, and transition. It will explore how students learn about dual enrollment opportunities, where and from whom they encounter the connection between coursework and career, and which institutional practices help keep these students enrolled or lose them. Areas of inquiry include communication between high schools and colleges, the clarity of wage, demand, and career outcomes tied to coursework, and the role of work-based learning and career advising.

Each participating college will receive an assessment of its dual enrollment pathway, a private briefing for its president in May 2027 on the college's fall 2026 dual enrollment results, an institutional action brief identifying priority improvements, and participation in two research convenings with peer institutions. Additionally, colleges will be recognized in the study's national white paper, or they can choose to participate anonymously.

Applications for The First Mile Study are open to community and technical colleges nationwide through January 15, 2027. Swim Digital Group encourages enrollment, student services, and workforce leaders at each college to apply together. Interested institutions can learn more and apply at swimdigitalgroup.com/first-mile-study.