BC and Partnering High Schools Receive California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Recently, several of Bakersfield College’s high school partners were presented with the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The statewide honor highlights outstanding dual enrollment programs that provide opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while still in high school – expanding college access while supporting student success.

The Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award recognizes programs that demonstrate strong collaboration between K–12 and community college partners, academic rigor, and meaningful pathways that support students in achieving their educational and career goals. Through this recognition process, BC was acknowledged alongside the following high school partners for their commitment to expanding college opportunities for students:

• Robert F. Kennedy High School (Delano Joint Unified School District)
• Delano High School (Delano Joint Unified School District)
• Cesar Chavez High School (Delano Joint Unified School District)
• Wonderful College Prep Academy – Delano
• Wonderful College Prep Academy – Lost Hills
• Arvin High School - (Kern High School District)

Through Bakersfield College’s Early College partnerships, students at these schools can take college courses while still in high school, earning transferable college credit and gaining early exposure to college expectations and pathways.

The California Department of Education’s High School Innovations and Initiatives Office first introduced the annual Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award program in 2023 with the purpose of identifying and recognizing schools that exhibit exemplary dual enrollment programs. The award was presented by a committee comprised of representatives from the California Coalition of Early and Middle College (CCEMC), the Career Ladders Project (CLP), the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), the California Department of Education (CDE), and dual enrollment practitioners from secondary and postsecondary institutions.

Congratulations to BC’s Early College department for providing excellent service and opportunities to our students. Your hard work and dedication is expanding college access to hundreds of students in Kern County, which helps create educational pathways that will positively change individuals and the communities in which they live.