$550K Grant to Fund Expansion of Dual-Enrollment Program in Santa Barbara

Program Allows S.B. Unified High School Students to Earn College Credit While Working Toward Diploma

Santa Barbara City College (above) and Santa Barbara Unified have been collaborating since 1998 to offer dual enrollment to high school students. | Credit: Courtesy

Dr. Erika Endrijonas, SBCC superintendent/president | Credit: Courtesy

Dual enrollment — the program that allows Santa Barbara Unified high school students to attend city college classes for course credits — will be expanding with the help of half a million dollars, the Santa Barbara Unified School District announced on Tuesday. The additional grant funding of $550,000 will be used from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2027.

Over those four years, it will pay for stipends for instructors and counselors to collaborate and articulate courses and increase family engagement and outreach, a dual-enrollment data management platform, and professional development for dual-enrollment teachers and counselors.

“Infusing more financial commitment into this partnership is, and always will be, a major goal of ours,” said Dr. Erika Endrijonas, the new superintendent/president at SBCC. “We accept the challenges brought forth by our progressive community, albeit more rigorous academic opportunities or aiding students with needs or interests that require more flexibility.”