Senator Newman Empowering High School Students with Greater Access to Community College Courses

Sacramento, Calif. — Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) today introduced Senate Bill 1244 (SB 1244) to facilitate greater access to community college dual enrollment programs for high school students across California.

SB 1244 enhances the ability of school districts to collaborate with community colleges through College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) programs, particularly in cases where other area local community college districts may be unable or unwilling to engage in such partnerships.

Currently, community colleges face limitations in entering CCAP partnerships with local school districts located within the service area of another community college district. Too often, this leads to bureaucratic hurdles and delays, leaving many school districts without access to the most useful dual enrollment opportunities for their students.

SB 1244 makes an amendment to Section 76004(e) of the Education Code, empowering community colleges to establish CCAP partnerships with school districts in other service areas if their local community college fails to respond or declines the partnership within 60 days.

Senator Newman emphasized the importance of SB 1244 in expanding educational opportunities for California’s youth. “As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, ensuring that every Californian has equitable access to the best possible education is a top priority for me. SB 1244 will ensure that administrative hurdles do not impede students’ access to these transformative educational opportunities.”

The legislative change made by SB 1244 will streamline the process for school districts to initiate dual enrollment programs with community colleges, fostering greater collaboration and flexibility in meeting the educational needs of students statewide.

To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at 916.651.4029.

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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.