Dual enrollment opens college pathways for high school students

Thousands of high school students across the Valley are earning college credit without leaving their campuses, thanks to dual enrollment programs offered through Maricopa Community Colleges  including Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, which partners with West Valley high schools.

The initiative allows students to take college-level classes at their high schools, simultaneously earning high school and college credit. The program aims to ease the transition into higher education while reducing the financial burden for students and their families.

EMCC  works directly with Agua Fria, Buckeye Union, Canyon View, Estrella Foothills, Desert Edge, Youngker, Millennium and Verrado high schools, providing academic support and accredited instruction.

“What you’re learning is going to be exactly what you would learn in a college classroom since the high school teachers have met the requirements to teach a college class,” said Dr. Catrina Kranich, dean of student affairs at EMCC.

Arizona requires 22 credits to graduate from high school, and dual enrollment allows students to fulfill those requirements while making progress toward a college degree. With the rising cost of tuition, program officials say dual enrollment provides an affordable way for students to get a head start on their postsecondary education.

“Our goal is to create a college-going mindset for students across the county,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges. “Through dual enrollment, we are making higher education more accessible, helping students gain the skills they need to thrive while preparing them for the next step of their academic journey.”

More information about Maricopa Community Colleges is available at maricopa.edu.