Assembly Education Committee Approves Holden’s Bill to Provide High School Students with College Opportunity

Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) bill to expand pathways for high school students who want to pursue college courses or career tech classes was approved today in Assembly Education Committee on a vote of 4 to 0.

AB 1451 Concurrent Enrollment would expand and encourage opportunities for high school students who are capable of advanced scholastic or vocational work to enroll in community college courses. It would also encourage students who need additional help passing the California High School Exit Exam and students who traditionally do not attend college, but would like to see if it’s the right path for them.

“One of the major advantages of concurrent enrollment programs is the ability to receive high school credit and gain exposure to college,” said Assemblymember Holden. “The boost in confidence a student receives when he/she completes a college course as a student in high school can encourage the realization that college is within their reach, this is especially important for minority and low income students.”

AB 1451:

• Would modify the restrictions on enrolling high school students in community college courses by creating formal partnerships between community college districts and high schools in its area.
• Authorizes students to take up to 15 units instead of the current 11.
• Authorizes community college courses to be offered on high school campuses.
• Prohibits “double-dipping” where both the high school and the college are reimbursed for the student.
• Imposes new reporting requirements so that the state can track these partnerships.
• Establishes a liaison at each college for concurrent enrollment programs.