Holden’s Dual Enrollment Expansion Legislation Clears First Policy Committee

Assemblyman Chris Holden’s legislation, AB 2019, that would increase access to dual enrollment opportunities for students in juvenile court schools passed with bipartisan support in the Assembly Education Committee today.

The measure would allow county offices of education to participate in College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnerships in the same way local school districts do.

“Despite the high aspirations of youth in the juvenile justice system for postsecondary educational attainment, the system fails to support access to college,” the former Pasadena City Councilman said in a prepared statement. “This legislation provides an opportunity for a uniquely vulnerable population to make academic progress and jump-start their college education.”

Students in juvenile court schools experience high rates of educational instability, and are likely to be behind in credits. As the quality of court school education varies widely, many students express that they feel disengaged from school, or that they are constantly repeating material that they have already covered. Increasing educational opportunities, like dual enrollment, for students in juvenile hall could provide a turning point that leads to academic success and future employment.

Holden first established the College and Career Access Pathways program in 2015 (AB 288) and has since passed numerous bill to increase and expand dual enrollment opportunities through this program.

“Dual enrollment increases the number of college graduates, reduce time and money spent for college, and help close the achievement gap,” said Holden. “My bill makes this a reality for all students in California.”