The U.S. Department of Education and the Connecticut Board of Regents announced plans to provide funding for children of low-income Connecticut families to complete their first year of college entirely free while they are still in high school. Norwalk was one of six communities chosen in the state, allowing 180 additional students to participate. The new three-year dual-enrollment, pilot program was created response to significant dips in college enrollment over the last five years, and college officials have been working to expand enrollment of nontraditional students. Engaging students early only increases their chances for academic success.