Alum Rock Union School District is stepping up its academic game by offering middle school students an opportunity to earn college credits before even stepping into high school. According to a recent announcement by the district, they've partnered with the San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) to launch a dual enrollment program starting this summer. Notching up the educational offering, Alum Rock students will soon be able to attend college courses after school and gain credits towards an associate's degree or transfer to a four-year university. The district sees it as a move to create more college-going pathways for underrepresented students and to speed up academic achievements.
A reported by the district, the inaugural dual enrollment course is slated to begin on June 16th, 2025, opening doors for rising 8th graders to claim 3 transferrable UC/CSU college credits. With a keen focus on student interest, the aim is to introduce additional courses throughout the 2025-2026 school year. "Students at Alum Rock are brilliant, and many are ready for the academic challenge brought on by these advanced college-level courses. We’re moving the district forward, and for the first time here, we’re offering college courses to our students!" Alum Rock Superintendent Germán Cerda proclaimed on the Alum Rock Union School District's news page.
In a stride to cultivate a college-going culture, SJECCD Chancellor Beatriz Chaidez stated that the program aims to instill confidence in Alum Rock students. "We believe students from all backgrounds have the skills and abilities to succeed in college if given the opportunity and provided the appropriate support services needed in order to ensure their success," Chaidez shared, per the Alum Rock Union School District's news page. Furthering the goal, the partnership between Alum Rock and SJECCD also intends to extend its reach, with an eye on incorporating more middle and high school students in similar future programs.
