In a state where collaboration between school districts and community colleges often faces obstacles, Merced College and the Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) stand out as a model of success.
For over a decade, the strong partnership between Merced College Superintendent/President Chris Vitelli and MUHSD Superintendent Alan Peterson has thrived, resulting in a robust dual enrollment program that has benefited thousands of local students.
Through regular meetings and a shared commitment to increasing access to higher education, the two leaders and their teams have expanded the program from its humble beginnings to a comprehensive offering of 32 college-level classes during the school year, with the list continually growing. In the 2023-24 academic year alone, 1,285 MUHSD students completed 2,522 Merced College courses. Students in the district now have the opportunity to pursue multiple pathways, with hundreds of high schoolers participating in dual enrollment courses each year.
These students are getting a significant head start on college, with many graduating high school already having earned substantial college credits, and some even obtaining an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. For parents of high school students, this means their children can save on college tuition, explore potential career paths early, and ease the transition to college life.
The collaboration between Merced College and MUHSD has steadily grown. Of the courses offered today, many are taught by MUHSD staff, while others are available online, providing students with even greater flexibility.
“In many parts of the state, districts and community colleges compete for resources,” Peterson said. “But Chris and I share a vision of reducing barriers and making education more accessible to all students. That’s why our partnership works.”
The benefits of this collaboration are clear. Over the past decade, the program has served thousands of students, with many earning significant college credits before they even receive their high school diplomas. The pathways offered allow students to explore fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to agriculture and business.
“Our collaboration with MUHSD exemplifies how two institutions can come together to significantly enhance educational opportunities for students,” Vitelli said. “By aligning our resources and goals, we’ve been able to offer programs that not only prepare students for higher education but also equip them with the skills needed for future careers.”
Counselors Are Key
A key component of the program’s success is the dedicated support provided by Pathway Counselors. Each high school in the district has a Pathway Counselor who works directly with students to navigate the enrollment process, select appropriate courses, and provide ongoing guidance as they tackle college-level work.
“One of the foundations of our successful dual enrollment collaboration with Merced College is our Pathway Counselors,” said Mandy Ballenger, MUHSD Deputy Superintendent. “Our Pathway Counselors spend extra time recruiting and supporting students with dual enrollment. A familiar face goes a long way in giving high school students the confidence to take a college class.”
Having access to college classes in high school and a dedicated person on campus to demystify the process is a huge advantage for students.
“When I started as a high school counselor, I had a handful of students taking classes through Merced College, but they were few and far between, and the process to enroll was a bit of a mystery for all of us,” said Jennifer Sousa, a Pathway Counselor at Buhach Colony High School. “Our partnership with Merced College has drastically changed that. We have hundreds of students completing college units every semester, and many graduate high school with a semester or a year’s worth of credits.”
For parents, this means their children are gaining confidence, understanding how the college system works, and giving themselves a head start on reaching their college dreams.
“As a Pathway Counselor, I am able to help students through the registration process and support them while in college classes year-round,” said Ashley Faraone, a Pathway Counselor at Golden Valley High School. “There has been such an advantage to having an on-site counselor as our students take advantage of the opportunities to earn college credit for free and get a jump start with their career goals.”
Expanding Access and Opportunities
Vitelli and Peterson have worked diligently to ensure that the program not only provides access to college courses but also addresses equity gaps, ensuring all students—especially those who may face financial or logistical challenges—have the opportunity to succeed.
“We’ve always focused on removing barriers,” Vitelli noted. “Whether it’s offering online options or working directly with high schools to align classes, we want to make sure students have every opportunity to thrive.”
The availability of dual enrollment courses has also helped students open up their high school schedules to take more career technical education (CTE) and elective classes, enriching their overall academic experience.
Additionally, the partnership aims to facilitate smoother transitions for students at every educational stage.
“One of the goals of this role is to develop dual enrollment opportunities for each and every pathway,” explained Tiffani Gong, MUHSD K12 Pathway Coordinator and Program Administrator. “Another goal is to increase career exploration in our middle schools in order to facilitate a smoother transition to high school.”
By continuing to align their programs, Merced College and MUHSD are not only helping students gain valuable college credits but also preparing them for brighter futures—whether that’s in a career or continuing their education at a four-year institution.
As state and federal leaders push for more seamless integration between K-12 education and community colleges, the success of Merced College and MUHSD serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when collaboration is prioritized.
“Our partnership has grown tremendously over the past decade,” Peterson said. “And we’re not stopping here. Both Chris and I are committed to expanding these opportunities for students in the years to come.”