Outline:
Introduction to the New Dual-Enrollment Programs
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and Monterey Peninsula College are set to introduce two new dual-enrollment programs for high school students, with the goal of starting in the fall of 2026. These programs, known as early college high schools, will be based at Marina High School and Seaside High School. This initiative allows incoming ninth-grade students to earn college credits while completing their high school coursework.
Students can begin applying for these programs starting on Monday. The program is designed to expand existing dual enrollment opportunities, enabling students to complete a certificate or degree while still in high school. Jessie Betancourt, the director of dual enrollment and K-12 partnerships at Monterey Peninsula College, explained the motivation behind the program.
Community Information Sessions
To inform families about the new programs, community information sessions will be held for families with current eighth-grade students. These sessions will take place on the following dates:
- Feb. 4 in Marina
- Feb. 11 in Seaside
- Feb. 18 for a districtwide virtual meeting
These events provide an opportunity for parents and students to learn more about the programs and how they can benefit from them.
Benefits of the Program
Students who are accepted into and complete the program will graduate from high school having met the lower-division general education requirements for the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems. This means they can enter college as sophomores or juniors, significantly reducing the time needed to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Betancourt emphasized that students enrolled in the Early College High School program start in the ninth grade and take college courses during their regular school day. By the time they graduate high school, they will have completed 60 units and earned a certificate for transfer.
Areas of Study
The programs will focus on two key areas of study: allied health and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). These fields were selected to align with regional workforce needs, ensuring that students are prepared for careers that are in demand.
Targeted Student Population
The programs are application-based and prioritize first-generation college students, those from low-income backgrounds, and students historically underrepresented in higher education. This includes students from Latinx, Black/African American, AAPI, and Native American communities.
Betancourt highlighted that Seaside and Marina high schools were chosen for this program due to their commitment to educational equity. These schools serve diverse student populations, including those from low-income families, foster homes, and students with disabilities. The program aims to create a diverse cohort of students who have traditionally been overlooked in higher education.
Support Services and Coursework
The coursework will be offered on high school campuses during the regular school day, with additional support services such as counseling and tutoring available to students. This ensures that students receive the necessary assistance to succeed in both their high school and college-level courses.
Application Process
The application period for the program opens on Monday and closes on April 10. Interviews are scheduled for May, with acceptance notifications expected by June. Detailed information about the schedule, including dates and times, can be found on the website www.mpc.edu/earlycollege.
Upcoming Community Presentations
For those interested in attending the community presentations, the details are as follows:
- Marina: Los Arboles Middle School, 294 Hillcrest Ave., Marina, from 5:30–6:30 p.m., Feb. 4.
- Seaside: Seaside Middle School, 999 Coe Ave, Seaside, from 5:30–6:30 p.m., Feb. 11.
- Virtual: A districtwide virtual presentation will take place from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 via Zoom at https://mpusd-k12-ca-us.zoom.us/j/98728536417?pwd=i64x611nfeWyMa5SS5S8qUBi8aSG4I.1&jst=2.