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Summer Program Gives Teens a Head Start on College

Students Build Real-World Skills While Earning College Credit

Students seated at round tables listening to speaker

High school students in the summer dual enrollment program simultaneously earned high school and college credits.

Posted June 25, 2025

Building a foundation for college success starts long before students set foot on campus. The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is giving local high schoolers a head start on college this summer, offering the opportunity to earn credits, explore career options, and build life skills.

The dual enrollment program—offered in partnership with Los Rios Community College District—allows high school students to enroll in college classes while simultaneously earning high school and college credits. The goal is to help them gain confidence, discover new interests, and get a feel for the college experience while still in high school.

This summer’s program is supporting 184 students from 38 local high schools, including the Upward Bound college preparatory program, the Breakthrough Sacramento mentoring and tutoring program, and two SCOE schools. Students in the dual enrollment program chose from seven online or in-person courses, including ethnic studies, natural resource conservation, life and career planning, and health science.

“Dual enrollment boosts college readiness and student success,” said Nayeli Chaidez, SCOE Dual Enrollment Coordinator. “We’re giving students the confidence, skills, and experience to build a strong foundation for the future.”

The dual enrollment program, which runs through August 7, isn’t just about hitting the books. To keep things fun and engaging, SCOE is offering enrichment opportunities, including a field trip to an Oakland A’s game and a Sacramento Republic FC soccer match. By combining academics with real-world experiences, the program is helping students take steps toward a successful future.

Free Dual Enrollment Courses for 2025–26

High school students who want to explore the business field can sign up to earn an Entrepreneurship Certificate in 2025–26. Participants will take a free, three-unit Cosumnes River College course each semester (fall, spring, and summer), learning to develop their entrepreneurial skills, recognize opportunities, and start/manage a small business.