Citrus College Early College program experiences record enrollment
This spring, more than 400 local high school students are taking classes taught by Citrus College faculty members without leaving their home campuses. These students represent the largest group of high schoolers to ever participate in the college's Early College program.
First introduced at Citrus College in 2009, Early College, also known as "dual enrollment," expanded when California added Assembly Bill 288 to the California Education Code in January 2016. This legislation authorizes California community college districts to enter into formal partnership agreements with local school districts to expand access to dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.
"Understanding that effective relationships with our K-12 partners are a crucial factor in increasing the number of students who complete their higher education goals, Citrus College actively advocated for the passage of AB 288," said the college superintendent/president. "The signing of this legislation into law has allowed Citrus College to provide many local high school students with a pathway to college that they may not have had otherwise."
Citrus College currently offers 21 classes at seven high schools within the Citrus Community College District's service area: Claremont High School, Duarte High School, Gladstone High School, Monrovia High School, San Antonio High School, Sierra High School and Glendora High School.
By enrolling in these classes, students simultaneously earn high school and college credit. This program saves them the cost of college fees, while better preparing them for the successful completion of their higher education goals.
Students participating in the Early College program perform at or above levels of traditional Citrus College students. They also receive the same student services opportunities, including counseling, library and health services, and access to the Writing and STEM centers.
"While the K-12 and community college systems serve different age groups, they share a similar mission: to provide students with the highest level of education possible so that they may have fulfilling personal lives and successful careers," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "I have no doubt that our collective commitment, passion and knowledge will increase student success rates throughout the region."
This article originally appeared in the April 2018 edition of the Citrus View.