.jpg)
“Being a senior includes a lot of stress when you apply to a four-year university, if that’s our choice,” said RHS Senior, Brenda Alvarado. “This program has helped me with those choices because I’ve gotten a head start on core classes such as English, and it helps me towards my college career.”
RECHS and DE programs have demonstrated that students want to take control of their futures and can manage college courses.
“Our 'why' is rooted in a belief that every student deserves the opportunity to see themselves as a college student, not someday, but today,” Ms. Albin said. “We lead this work to break down the traditional barriers that often limit access to higher education, especially for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.”
Students at RHS take courses that are taught by RCC professors online, allowing them to participate in group discussions and projects with college students.
“It helped me not only connect with students here, but also students at (RCC).” RHS senior Danna Gonzalez said.
Although challenging, students learn to study independently, schedule and plan, and be accountable.
.jpg)
“By easing the transition between high school and college, students gain confidence in their ability to succeed in a more rigorous academic environment,” said Michelle Markham, Coordinator II of Secondary Education. “Participation in dual enrollment demonstrates initiative and ambition, which can strengthen college applications and improve future academic and career prospects.”
Unlike RHS, both Patriot High School (PHS) and Jurupa Valley High School (JVHS) offer in-person courses taught by JUSD teachers.
“Throughout this process, I was able to get hired on as an adjunct professor at Riverside City College, and so I kind of wear two different hats. During the day, I’m a high school teacher, and then come late afternoon, I’m a college professor in my own room.” Kyle Reed Said, Career Technical Education teacher for the Graphic Design Pathway at PHS.
Students can explore a variety of topics from calculus and English to graphic design.
.jpg)
“It has helped me explore my options. It’s nice to take different types of classes to weigh my options on what I want to do.” PHS senior, Melissa de la Rosa said.
JUSD teachers who have become DE instructors notice that the DE also allows students to learn rigorous material while having support and guidance along the way.
“The students get walked through and guided on how to enroll into Norco because they have to enroll as students over there, fill out the application, get accepted, and then they enroll in their own classes,” said Flor Valdez, math, AVID teacher at JVHS and calculus professor via Norco City College. “So all of that is being supported through our career center and our counselors.”
“Regardless of the fact that it's hard or not, I feel like it's a challenge that anybody can take on because I feel like it's definitely doable,” JVHS Senior, Desirae Jaurequi said. “There’s a lot of opportunities for you to succeed.”
