Dual Enrollment Momentum Grows with Parent and Partner Support
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The Dual Enrollment Campaign Action Team came together this spring ready to keep pushing for more opportunities for Fresno students to have real access to college classes while still in high school.
Our families focused on Fresno Unified School District’s (FUSD)goals on College and Career Readiness. These goals are designed to open doors for students, but families asked: How do we actually get our students through those doors? That question led to a deeper look at how dual enrollment is working in practice, and what it will take to make it more accessible, especially for students who’ve historically been left out.
Parents pointed to challenges in the application process, limited awareness about programs, and a need for more guidance and support. This echoes what we heard from students at the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) Annual Summit, during a powerful panel called “Student Voices: Strengthening the Student Experience.” Young people spoke honestly about the promise of Dual Enrollment and the barriers that still keep many from participating. They reflected on differences between online and in-person experiences, and emphasized how better preparation and support, starting early, can make a real difference in who feels ready to succeed.
GO also joined regional conversations at CVHEC with educators, researchers, and elected officials, where questions about dual enrollment data and equity were front and center. We wrestled with critical questions our families are also asking: Are students across different demographics experiencing success equally? What does true accessibility look like? What kinds of support help students thrive in these programs?
Through our campaign, GO is working alongside FUSD and Fresno City College to ensure more families know about the options available, and that information is clear, current, and easy to understand. One key area families have lifted up is the need for translated documents and updated resources on the district’s website. We’re working with our partners to remove these barriers and improve access for all students and families so no one is left behind.
This summer, FUSD and FCC will offer a dual enrollment program for students. There will be a June 16th kick-off event with classes running through July 17th. Transportation, meals, and academic support will be provided to help make the program more accessible.
Looking ahead, a new four-year dual enrollment pathway is launching at Hoover High in Fall 2025. The program will be centered around a teacher academy track that supports FUSD’s “Grow Your Own” pipeline, an effort to cultivate and support future educator leaders from within the community.
Families are showing what’s possible when they are at the table. Together, we’re helping to shape programs that reflect our students’ needs, remove barriers to access, and build a stronger future.