Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Recently, several of Bakersfield College’s high school partners were presented with
the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The statewide honor highlights outstanding
dual enrollment programs that provide opportunities to enroll in and earn college
credits while still in high school – expanding college access while supporting student
success.
The Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award recognizes programs that demonstrate strong collaboration
between K–12 and community college partners, academic rigor, and meaningful pathways
that support students in achieving their educational and career goals. Through this
recognition process, BC was acknowledged alongside the following high school partners
for their commitment to expanding college opportunities for students:
Robert F. Kennedy High School (Delano Joint Unified School District)
Delano High School (Delano Joint Unified School District)
Cesar Chavez High School (Delano Joint Unified School District)
Wonderful College Prep Academy – Delano
Wonderful College Prep Academy – Lost Hills
Arvin High School – (Kern High School District)
Through Bakersfield College’s Early College partnerships, students at these schools
can take college courses while still in high school, earning transferable college
credit and gaining early exposure to college expectations and pathways.
The California Department of Education’s High School Innovations and Initiatives Office
first introduced the annual Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award program in 2023 with the
purpose of identifying and recognizing schools that exhibit exemplary dual enrollment
programs. The award was presented by a committee comprised of representatives from
the California Coalition of Early and Middle College (CCEMC), the Career Ladders Project
(CLP), the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), the California
Department of Education (CDE), and dual enrollment practitioners from secondary and
postsecondary institutions.
Congratulations to BC’s Early College department for providing excellent service and
opportunities to our students. Your hard work and dedication is expanding college
access to hundreds of students in Kern County, which helps create educational pathways
that will positively change individuals and the communities in which they live.
