SAN MARCOS (May 7, 2024) – The Palomar Community College District and the Ramona Unified School District have a long-standing partnership that serves the educational needs of students. Recently administrators and elected officials of both districts met to identify ways to increase the education and career training opportunities in Ramona.
The districts agreed to explore the expansion of both dual and concurrent enrollment programs for high school students. Dual Enrollment refers to college classes offered at a public high school campus within the Palomar Community College District, as part of a College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) partnership agreement. It is intended for students to earn both high school and college credit completely free of charge. Dual enrollment offers structured pathways, effective instruction, and guided student support in enrollment, Palomar resources, and academic counseling. Concurrent Enrollment is when a high school student takes an onsite or online Palomar college course at their own discretion. Most students pursuing college courses while still in high school are better prepared to achieve their educational goals in college. In addition, students generally have high school GPAs, better study skills for college.
“Increased dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment opportunities for students in Ramona, is key to the success of our students in the most eastern part of our 2,555 square mile district. We are looking forward to finalizing the plan and enrolling more students so that they can achieve their goals,” said Palomar College Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey.
“We are committed to high academic standards and improved student achievement. Our ability to grow dual and concurrent enrollment programs with Palomar College is paramount for each student to experience success at every ability level,” added Ramona Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Thurman.
The districts also discussed the increasing demand for trained personnel and what opportunities may exist in the future to expand programming to best serve students and prepare our future workforce.