By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis.

California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges. California made an annual investment of $200 million for high school students. The state also allocated $10 million for the STEM Pathways Grant program that supports creating 6-year programs for students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics within 2 years of graduating high school.

Despite California’s investment over the years, the study revealed that the number of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in community college courses has declined since 2020. The enrollment gap between Asian-Pacific Islander students, who have the highest participation rate, and Black students doubled from 7 % in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022.

“For students whose life circumstances, such as economic hardship, may inhibit educational pursuits, opportunities to enroll in community college while in high school may be less accessible,” researchers stated.

Participation rates in dual enrollment programs are lower among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, youth in foster care, and students with disabilities compared to their counterparts. The research study attributed the steady decline in enrollment rates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege.com campaign has launched the second season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series, which focuses on promoting Black student enrollment and retention. Season 1 had over 60,000 listeners, and the new season aims to build on this success by featuring inspiring student stories and expert advice.

The first episode of the new season brings together former foster youth Kevion Louis-Hernandez, Mt. San Antonio College alum; and Junely Merwin, a NextUp Project Expert, with host Danny Morrison. The conversation explores the challenges foster youth face and highlights the transformative impact of community college programs like NextUp, which help students overcome obstacles to reach their higher education and career goals.

“This season continues our commitment to addressing barriers faced by Black students and increasing equitable access to higher education,” said Paige Marlatt Dorr, Director of Communications and Marketing for California Community Colleges.

EDUCATE. ELEVATE. is part of a broader initiative to reverse the significant enrollment declines experienced by Black students during the pandemic. Black student enrollment dropped by 25% system-wide between 2019 and 2022, but outreach efforts and support services have helped increase enrollment by nearly 15% over the last two years, bringing the total to almost 114,000 Black students in the 2023-24 academic year.

The podcast series features candid discussions on overcoming systemic barriers, educational resources, and strategies for student success. Season 2 offers a new visual style and will release episodes every two to three weeks through May 2025.

To listen to the podcast and learn more, visit the Black Student Success page at ICanGoToCollege.com

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

 The California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) announced new leadership last week as the community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.

The CLLC elected Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) as the next Chair. The group also elected two vice-chairpersons: Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro) will serve as the Northern California Vice Chair and Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) will serve as the Southern California Vice Chair.

The CLLC has 37 members including senators, assemblymembers, and constitutional officers. The legislative group seeks to advance policy and develop ways that empower the Latino community statewide.

Gonzalez, the newly elected chair, made history in 2020 when she served as the first Latina to chair the Senate Transportation Committee and the only woman to hold the position in the past 20 years. Before becoming chair, Gonzalez served as the Majority Whip in 2021, Senate Majority Leader in 2024, and later became the Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus in 2022.

“As Chair, I remain committed to advancing policies that support our communities and uplift future generations on such seminal issues as health equity, climate action, worker’s rights, economic opportunity, and more,” said Gonzalez.

Ortega is a veteran labor leader and activist from an immigrant family. She has dedicated her career to advocating for working-class people in Alameda County. Ortega was the first Latina elected to the Alameda Labor Council representing 135,000 workers in the East Bay. She also became the first Latina Chair of the Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment.

“I know the work we do has a lasting impact that carries on for generations, and I’m ready to tackle the many challenges our Latino communities face,” said Ortega. “I am committed to making a change that will benefit working families and communities, who are the backbone of our economy and part of the rich cultural fabric that makes California so vibrant and diverse.”

Carrillo is an outspoken advocate for affordable housing to address the homelessness crisis and environmental issues. Before his current role, he was a member of the Palmdale City Council and worked as a city planner for 15 years.

“It’s a profound honor to step into this role and champion meaningful initiatives that will shape a brighter future for our diverse Latino communities,” he said. “I’m excited to continue working to empower immigrant families, workers, small businesses, students, and parents across California.”

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