; and (3) by inserting after section 744 the following: 745. Credit-based academic transition programs (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to expand access for high school students to the opportunities offered in credit-based academic transition programs established through partnerships between high schools and institutions of higher education utilizing dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs that enable such students to earn college credits while in high school. (b) Eligible institution In this section, the term eligible institution means an institution of higher education that carries out a dual or concurrent enrollment program or an early college high school program that enables high school students to earn college credits while in high school. (c) Grants authorized The Secretary may award grants to eligible institutions to carry out credit-based academic transition programs described in subsection (a). (d) Application An eligible institution that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (e) Priority In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions that serve students from low-income families, students from rural communities, or students who are the first in their family to receive postsecondary education. (f) Use of funds An eligible institution that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds— (1) to carry out a dual or concurrent enrollment program or an early college high school program for high school students, through which such students while enrolled in high school are enrolled in postsecondary courses at the eligible institution, through which such students can earn college credits that can be transferred to 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education in the State