Posted: September 13, 2024Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO – According to a UC Davis Wheelhouse Report, the College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) and Dual Enrollment programs at Cuesta College have the highest participation rate in California. These programs offer high school students the chance to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously through CCAP partnerships with nine local districts and fourteen high schools throughout San Luis Obispo County.

“Dual enrollment not only helps students earn college credits early but also supports better academic outcomes,” said Kristina Vastine, Cuesta College Associate Director of Instruction for Dual Enrollment/CCAP. “Studies show participants are more likely to finish high school, enroll in college, and achieve higher college GPAs.” 

Taking advantage of the Dual Enrollment / CCAP program allows students to experience the rigors of college coursework while still within their supportive high school environment. “This allows them to explore college and career pathways and save time and money on their future certificates and degrees,” Vastine said. 

Cuesta College’s 2023-2024 academic year saw a 25% increase in participation in the CCAP Program, with 3,847 students and 5,515 course enrollments. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, these numbers reflect a growing national trend in dual enrollment, with nearly 2.5 million high schoolers taking at least one such course during the 2022-23 school year. Cuesta’s CCAP program boasts a 92.4% course completion rate, the highest yet.

Cuesta College’s offerings have evolved to include a wide range of general education and career education courses that cater to students’ varied interests and career aspirations. Courses include automotive technology, agricultural mechanics, and the newly launched aviation mechanics program at Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande High Schools. Additionally, dual enrollment also boosts participation and often complements or replaces traditional Advanced Placement (AP) courses. 

“In Paso Robles, we are working to ensure that our students are college, career, and community-ready,” said Anthony Overton, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. “Our dual-enrolled students often leave our programs with twelve or more Cuesta units, allowing them to accelerate into their chosen trade program or college.” 

For more information on the CCAP/Dual Enrollment Program and how students can sign up, please visit the webpage at bit.ly/cuesta-ccap or contact Associate Director of Instruction, Dual Enrollment/CCAP Kristina Vastine at (805) 592-9393 or kristina_vastine@cuesta.edu. 

PHOTO: At the 2024 PRHS Senior Awards Night, students who completed 18 or more units with Cuesta College before leaving high school were honored with a cord.