Early College packages college course opportunities for high school students into pathways that begin in the 9th grade, allowing cohorts of students the opportunity to earn associate degrees and/or certificates by the time they walk across the stage at their high school graduation. Students who do not complete associate degrees or certificates will have the opportunity to earn credits towards degrees or certificates and will be on pathway to complete them after high school.
Retired State Senator and Bakersfield City School District Superintendent Dr. Jean Fuller has partnered with BC to lead this initiative. A longtime advocate of education, Fuller, who grew up in rural Kern County and has been at the forefront of state issues, knows firsthand how the Early College program can serve as a game changer for Kern County.
BC's Early College Vision:
- Every educational pathway is clear and defined from K-12 to community college and into four-year institutions
- Every high school student has an opportunity to earn at least 9 college credits by the end of graduation
- Every high school student understands what it takes to earn a certificate, associate degree, or complete their chosen college pathway
As Bakersfield College connects the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment courses occurring on high school campuses to college pathways, levels of implementation have been created to help students and school sites understand their current level of access to Early College opportunities. Courses and pathways will be updated as high school and college teams work together to plan future opportunities.
Pre-level
Pre-exploration
Districts/Schools
in pre-exploration:
- El Tejon Unified School District
- Taft Union High School District
Level 1
Exploration
The high school students can complete college courses on-site through a combination of dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment offered on the high school campus.
Districts/Schools
in level 1:
Level 2
Installation
The high school students can complete a college degree or certificate on-site through a combination of dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment courses offered on the high school campus.
Districts/schools
in level 2:
Level 3
Implementation
All incoming ninth grade students are on a pathway to earn between 9 and 60 units towards completing a college degree and/or certificate through a combination of dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment courses offered on the high school campus.
District/Schools
in level 3:
Accessibility Center
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