PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - March 11, 2025
Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, grecia.medrano@lausd.net
LAUSD Passes Resolution to Expand College Access Through Dual Enrollment
New resolution designates March as Dual Enrollment Month to promote college readiness.
Los Angeles, CA – In a decision to advance college readiness, leadership, and equity, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 060-24/25, Expanding Opportunities: Celebrating Dual Enrollment Awareness Month. The District reaffirmed its commitment to equity by increasing access to college credit courses, career technical education (CTE) pathways, industry certifications, internships/apprenticeships, and the opportunity to earn an AA Degree for students grades 9-12. The District highlighted the importance of collaborating with the East Los Angeles College (ELAC), the California Community Foundation, and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) on outreach events such as ELAC’s Annual Student-Led Dual Enrollment Summit, educational webinars and student advocacy.
LAUSD District 2 Board Vice President and author Dr. Rocío Rivas highlighted the benefit of early college access stating, “Dual enrollment is a proven tool for increasing graduation rates and post-secondary success, and we are committed to making it more accessible for all students.”
“Dual enrollment is a powerful opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically, earn college credit early, and build the confidence needed for future success,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “By bridging the gap between high school and higher education, we empower students to take charge of their learning and open doors to greater career and college opportunities.”
The resolution acknowledges dual enrollment improves student success by increasing college retention, completion rates, academic performance, and workforce readiness, while reducing financial barriers to postsecondary education and providing students with in-demand skills and improved access to high-growth sectors.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 81% of dual enrollment students enroll in a post-secondary institution within one year after high school graduation, as well as higher rates of completing a college degree with an average increase of 25%.
Student Board Member and co-sponsor Anely Cortez Lopez, a strong advocate for educational equity, expressed, “In response to my peers' expressed need for fair and inclusive dual enrollment opportunities, this resolution seeks to strengthen collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) to better equip students for academic and professional success beyond high school.”
“When we invest in dual enrollment programs, we make it clear that we trust our students, have high expectations for them, and will support them every step of the way”, said Board President Scott M. Schemerelson. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill expressed her excitement stating, “We look forward to the possibility of expanding Dual Enrollment and other beneficial programs such as Career Technical Education, in Board District 1 and throughout the District.”
“Dual enrollment programs support student success, contribute to retention to and through college, and boost academic achievement,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I’m proud to mark March as Dual Enrollment Awareness Month and will continue to advocate for ways to raise awareness and expand access to these valuable, life-changing programs.”
Board Member Karla Griego said, “Dual enrollment provides an excellent opportunity for our students to expand their learning through our local community college programs. We need to support and encourage all of our students, especially Black and Latinx, to explore and enroll in these options.”
Board Member Kelly Gonez expressed, “Dual enrollment is an opportunity to engage students with new subjects, deepen their knowledge, and prepare them for success in college and careers. I’m proud of the work that our school district is doing to expand course offerings to all students and to support students enrolled in higher education classes.”
“I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution to reaffirm the importance of our dual enrollment programs that close opportunity gaps, especially for our most historically underrepresented students”, Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “These programs prepare our students for the college, career, and life of their dreams and we look forward to growing them fairly and for all.”
By prioritizing dual enrollment, LAUSD reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and equitable higher education access, aligning with the 2022-26 Strategic Plan.
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