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.

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.

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."