Supporting Transitions to College/Career and College Completion

This project addresses the critical need to increase college completion rates and reduce equity gaps among a predominantly underrepresented student population—including first-generation college students, English learners, foster youth, and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth—by expanding college and career preparation from grades 9-12 and providing ongoing support for seniors and alumni. Aligned with regional workforce priorities in Engineering, Digital Media, and Business, the initiative enhances CTE pathways and work-based learning experiences, including mentorships, internships, dual enrollment, and career exploration. A unique Alumni Success Program, staffed full-time, offers vital guidance on college applications, financial aid, and social-emotional support, fostering peer connections and mentorship that research shows significantly improve persistence and degree completion. Through partnerships with UC Irvine and local industries, the project aims to equip students with academic and practical tools, reduce barriers such as mental health and financial stress, and sustain support beyond high school to boost long-term college success and workforce readiness.

This work plan focuses on the K14 Postsecondary Transition and Completion strategy by funding activities that support students’ college readiness, transition, and degree completion. Key activities include dual enrollment courses, college and industry tours, senior workshops on life skills and college adaptation, and a comprehensive college application support event called Application Fest. The Alumni Success Program plays a central role, providing personalized college selection guidance, financial aid assistance, ongoing alumni mentoring, social/emotional support, and data tracking to improve outcomes. Partners such as Santa Ana College, UC Irvine, and regional businesses contribute through dual enrollment, tours, mentorships, curriculum support, and internships. The program serves approximately 575 high school students and 120 alumni annually, with a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations including foster youth and students with disabilities through tutoring, housing, and tailored services. Measurable goals include reducing alumni stress, increasing degree completion rates within five years, boosting participation in alumni activities, and encouraging use of college support services, all sustained through a mix of LCAP funding, grants, and philanthropic donations.