Virtual Early College Credit Hub
The Hub is an online portal with resources designed to support dual enrollment students—including streamlined access to applications, enrollment and courses at students’ home colleges and a virtual community of support. The Hub is available to all Fresno-Madera County high school students whose high schools have signed up to participate.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is when a student is enrolled in both high school and college at the same time. Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses and earn college credits that can provide a valuable head start toward a college degree.
College in high school programs — which are referred to by many terms in California — promote partnerships between secondary school systems and institutions of higher education that provide high school students with intentionally designed, rigorous, and authentic postsecondary experiences leading to officially transcripted and transferable college credit towards a recognized postsecondary degree or credential.
These programs are distinct from credit by exam programs such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, as they are authentic college courses through which students will always receive transcripted postsecondary credit if they pass the course.
What is the Virtual Early College Credit Hub and how will it benefit students?
The VECCH is a way for high school students to enroll in a curated list of online college courses that meet A-G requirements, and have a support structure to ensure student success. The VECCH is a free opportunity open to all Fresno County high school students. The VECCH will support high school districts’ College and Career Outcomes and is in alignment with the Governor’s proposed budget for College and Career Pathways.
Why Dual Enrollment?
Research has shown that students who participate in dual enrollment are more likely to graduate high school, and enroll in and complete college. Some studies show that low-income and students underrepresented in higher education experience the greatest positive impacts on their ability to access and complete college by taking college classes in high school. Research in California by UC Davis Wheelhouse, has shown that more structured dual enrollment has narrowed racial/ethnic access gaps. Dual enrollment is free to high school students.
The VECCH Vision and Commitment Statement outlines dual enrollment as a strategy in Fresno County to:
• increase regional graduates with college degrees in high wage disciplines
• reduce racial and ethnic economic disparities in degree attainment and the labor market
• improve graduation rates and shorten time to completion for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees
Hear what students and teachers have to say about dual enrollment:
Sanger HIGH SCHOOL
Exploring Engineering: Gursimar, a Dual Enrollment Senior at Sanger High
SANGER HIGH SCHOOL
Pursuing Aspirations: Brianna, a Dual Enrollment Senior at Sanger High
BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL
Graduate with Gratitude: Leanna, a Dual Enrollment Graduate from UC Irvine
SANGER HIGH SCHOOL
Building Brighter Futures: Harlan, a Dual Enrollment Engineering Teacher
More Information for Educators
Is there future funding available for dual enrollment?
In the proposed California Budget for 2022-23 for K12 – the Governor included $500 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund, available over four years, to strengthen and expand student access and participation in dual enrollment opportunities that are also coupled with student advising and support services.
Will there be support for high school counselors?
Support for your school counselors can be found by contacting Karina Rodriquez, Executive Leadership Coach K-12 Support Programs-School Counseling, Office of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools at karina.rodriquez@fcoe.org or (559) 497-3928.
More resources on dual enrollment are available here.
How does the Virtual Early College Credit Hub compare to other models?
Click the charts below to view them as a PDF.
