The Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program was the first of its kind in the nation and has operated in Minnesota since 1985. The PSEO program allows students in their sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school to take college courses in either a remote or on-campus format. They are able to forge relationships with professors early-on and obtain an authentic college experience that informs them on what career they would like to pursue while still in high school.

I know the benefits of the PSEO program firsthand. I was able to take PSEO courses at 3 different colleges during my junior and senior years of high school, which made it possible for me to realize my passions early-on and obtain two years' worth of free college credits. I am now pursuing my bachelor's degree at one of the institutions I did PSEO at. I can say without an ounce of doubt that PSEO changed my life in an overwhelmingly positive way, and I would not be where I am today without having had access to the program. 

I was very fortunate; I came from a middle-class family with connections to others who had participated in the PSEO program. However, many barriers still exist for students to become involved in PSEO. Many students (usually those who are low-income and/or people of color) who could be best served by the program aren't even aware that it exists. There are several gaps within PSEO legislation that allow for equity disparities to exist, and it's time we address them:

- PSEO courses are usually not weighed at the same rate as CIS, AP, and IB classes are, which could discourage students (who might have otherwise benefitted tremendously from the PSEO program) from applying out of fear that their GPA could be negatively affected.

- According to students, transportation serves as a massive barrier to involvement in the PSEO program. PSEO participation should not be limited to students who have the privilege of transportation access, and many students aren't aware of transportation aid available to them. 

- 10th graders are only allowed to take one course in their first semester of PSEO, limiting the amount of time they are able to devote to taking full advantage of the PSEO program.

Luckily, these gaps can be repaired through legislation.

There is currently legislation that would repair many of the equity gaps in the PSEO program: SF 939. The passage of this bill is crucial in ensuring a more equitable education system in Minnesota; one where students of all backgrounds have access to more affordable and attainable higher education. Minnesota has one of the worst opportunity gaps in the nation, but by voicing your support for the SF 939 bill, you are helping repair that gap.