BC Hosts A Series of Early College Academies

Monday, July 20, 2026

Last week, the Dual Enrollment and Early College Department at Bakersfield College hosted the Early College Launch Academy and the Early College Level Up Academy. The first event was designed to introduce new students to the program and the second to guide returning students through the ‘next steps’ of the program. The goal is to help students feel confident and prepared for their Early College journey before the start of the academic year.

During the free one-day events, students learned about dual and concurrent enrollment, financial aid resources, campus resources, student responsibilities, navigating college tools, and much more. Students also get to participate in a variety of interactive activities and workshops all designed to engage attendees while sharing important details about the Early College Program.

Berenice Arellano, Program Manager of Early College, talked about the importance of the academies, “The purpose of the academies is to help students feel confident and prepared for their Early College journey,” she said, “we want students to understand what it means to be a college student, know where to find resources and support, and make informed decisions about their educational journey.” She was also excited about having students visit the Bakersfield College campus, many of them for the first time. “My favorite part is watching these students step foot of campus and realizing that college is very much an option for them,” she said, “Many students are stepping onto a college campus for the first time – they arrive feeling nervous and uncertain, but by the end of the day, they have a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.”

Claudia Lemus is the mother of Molly who attends Ridgeview High School and participated in the Early College Launch Academy. She was happy that her student was taking part in the event. “My experience with this event has been great,” she said, “the fact that they are encouraging them to be involved with college during high school – I think it is a great opportunity for them, and I think it is a great opportunity for parents as well.” She also believed the program could be a great benefit for her daughter. “I like that she has the opportunity to earn college credits and that it can help her attend and graduate college,” she said, “she wants to attend UCLA, and I think this makes it easier for her to do that.”

Nearly 650 students attended the first sessions Early College Academies, with event more scheduled to attend the last session later in the week. The plan is for the Early College Academies to become an annual event each summer. Thank you to the Early College team for all your hard work coordinating and hosting these events. Your efforts will no doubt have a profound impact on countless high school students in Kern County and expand and improve educational opportunities now and in the future.

Claudia Lemus