Championing Education Access: Broadening Dual Enrollment through Early College Collaboration

College and Career Advantage (CCA), in partnership with Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and Saddleback College, seek to address equity gaps and workforce readiness in Orange County by expanding dual enrollment and early college opportunities for middle and high school students. While serving over 16,000 students across CUSD high schools—many of whom are economically disadvantaged or underserved—CCA recognizes that access to postsecondary education and career pathways remains uneven. To meet the growing demand in priority sectors such as Business, Health, Hospitality, and Information Technology, this initiative will establish a flexible early/middle college model that introduces students to college-level coursework aligned with regional labor market needs. By targeting underrepresented students at schools with the highest need and supporting educators and counselors with resources and training, this project will increase equitable access to dual enrollment, bridge the K12-postsecondary divide, and develop a pipeline of skilled, college- and career-ready graduates prepared to meet industry demand.

The work plan focuses on expanding postsecondary transition and completion by enhancing dual enrollment and early college programs in partnership with Saddleback College, targeting underserved middle and high school students within Capistrano Unified School District. This initiative aims to increase equitable access to college-level coursework aligned with regional priority sectors such as Business, Health, and Information Technology, supporting students’ career pathway progression and readiness for middle-wage jobs. Key activities include professional development for counselors and faculty to improve student enrollment and support, targeted outreach to underserved populations, and systematic data collection to track student outcomes post-graduation. Serving approximately 25,000 students district-wide, the program emphasizes sustainability through phased cohort expansion and ongoing collaboration between K12 and community college partners. Student support centers and guidance specialists ensure personalized assistance, helping to close equity gaps and strengthen transitions from high school to postsecondary education and the workforce, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth.