Improving College Degree Completion Rates

This grant project addresses the critical workforce need in Orange County to increase the number of skilled workers with college degrees, particularly in high-demand sectors like Advanced Manufacturing (Engineering) and ICT/Digital Media (Design), where most jobs require postsecondary credentials and offer wages well above the county’s living wage. Targeting Samueli Academy’s diverse student population—which includes foster youth, underrepresented minorities, English learners, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students—the project aims to support students through college and career exploration, dual enrollment, and structured transition programs like Alumni Success and Work-Based Learning. By fostering social-emotional well-being, providing mentoring, and aligning high school CTE pathways with community college programs, the initiative seeks to close equity gaps and increase college persistence and degree completion. Collaborative efforts with Santa Ana Community College enhance pre-college experiences and ensure alignment with college offerings. Overall, the project’s objectives directly respond to regional labor market demands and SWP goals by preparing students for high-wage, high-skill careers, expanding access to college credits, and strengthening supports for underserved populations to achieve long-term postsecondary success.

This work plan focuses on enhancing college and career exploration as well as postsecondary transition and completion for high school students, primarily targeting juniors and seniors at Samueli Academy. Activities funded by the K12 Strong Workforce Program include college and industry tours, dual enrollment courses, workshops on college life skills and application processes—including a dedicated college Application Fest—and ongoing student support through Alumni Success and Work-Based Learning programs. The plan aims to increase the number of students earning early college credit, completing CTE courses with articulation agreements, and persisting through degree completion within five years. Key partners such as Santa Ana College and UC Irvine provide dual enrollment courses, curriculum support, and program evaluation. The project emphasizes equity by supporting disproportionately impacted students—including foster youth and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations—through personalized advisement, mental health support, career exploration, and work-based learning experiences like internships and industry networking. These efforts are designed to improve college readiness, accelerate degree attainment, and connect students to high-wage, high-demand career pathways sustainably over time.