California Community Colleges chancellor, Eloy Oakley, encourages high school students to earn college credit through dual enrollment

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley is encouraging high school students to get a jump start this spring on earning college credits through dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment programs offer high school students an opportunity to take courses, taught by college professors, at their local community college, high school or online before they’ve graduated. The courses are free for most high school students and can better prepare them for college.

“Most high school students enrolled in these courses complete at least nine units before entering college, helping to save them time and money as they work toward a college degree,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley. “Our colleges are working diligently to ensure students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed. The dual enrollment program is one more way California community colleges are creating a culture of success and working to boost the number of students earning degrees or certificates and transferring to four-year colleges and universities.”

Regardless of a student’s college goals, dual enrollment classes can help set them on a path for higher education success. Popular dual enrollment courses include general education requirements, language studies and classes leading to health and healthcare degrees. In addition, about one-third of all dual enrollment participants take at least one career education course, helping prepare them for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.

Interested high school students and their parents or caregivers are encouraged to speak with a high school or local community college counselor for more information on dual enrollment programs available in their community. They can also visit ICanGoToCollege.com to learn more about dual enrollment and enroll in classes.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 1.8 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.