Dual‑enrollment participation continues to rise, but colleges and high schools warn that inconsistent standards and credit‑transfer practices leave students with incomplete pathways to degrees or credentials. Stakeholders say credits earned in high school often fail to count toward college degrees because course rigor and verification vary widely. Experts and digital‑credential advocates are calling for interoperable credentialing systems and clearer standards to ensure that credits carry value across institutions. Simultaneously, K‑12 districts and community colleges are running webinars and pilot programs to better align curricula and stackable credentials with workforce needs. Policy note: dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit; alignment means agreed course standards, assessment practices and transcript portability so students avoid retaking equivalent courses after matriculation.