Automotive Services Technician Class. Photo courtesy of Sierra College

ROCKLIN, CA (MPG) -  Local high school students aren't just earning diplomas; they’re earning college credits and saving thousands on future tuition thanks to Sierra College’s expanding Dual Enrollment (DE) program.

“This is definitely preparing me for college in so many different ways. It allows you to go down an avenue and really explore it—see what's good about it, what you like and what you don't,” said Jojo Benevidez, Graphic Design student at Oakmont High School

From transfer-level General Education (GE) courses like English, math, and history to hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) offerings in advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and entrepreneurship, Sierra College’s DE program is opening doors to both college and career success. Students can earn college credits tuition-free while still in high school, saving families significant time and money.

Sierra College Health Careers at Roseville Joint Union High School District. Photo courtesy of Sierra College

Students who earn 1–2 years of college credit in high school can save $5,000–$30,000 in college tuition later, depending on the number of credits completed and the institution they attend. In California, nearly 30% of high school graduates had taken at least one DE course.

“Dual Enrolment goes beyond early college access. It’s a powerful tool for creating equitable pathways, preparing students for success, and offering real choices for their future,” said Wily Duncan, Superintendent and President of Sierra College. “Whether students are pursuing a four-year degree or heading straight into a high-demand career, Dual Enrolment helps them get ahead academically and financially.”

Through partnerships with 10 local school districts and 27 high schools across the region, DE courses are taught by credentialed instructors on high school campuses during the regular school day. One student in Granite Bay might be fulfilling future CSU requirements with College Composition, while another in Grass Valey is learning industrial robotics. A junior in Antelope may be completing health science prerequisites, while a senior in Roseville explores the foundations of business. The possibilities are wide—and growing.

"I've learned a lot about myself [in this class], I like to do hands-on activities and I like to make things. We're dealing with all these machines that we have to be responsible with. I think that it's really fundamental for my growth,” said Elise Davidson, Agricultural Mechanics student at Nevada Union High School.

Automotive Services Technician Class at Roseville Joint Union High School District. Photo courtesy of Sierra College

As enrolment rises, Sierra College is focused on raising broader community awareness—particularly among families, business leaders, and civic organizations—about the accessibility, academic rigor, and economic impact of Dual Enrollment.

"If you think about the Sacramento region, we are one of the fastest-growing economies. [The] Dual enrollment program can be a huge part of how we leapfrog ourselves forward and compete with other regions in the country,” said Willy Duncan, Superintendent/President at Sierra College

About Sierra College: Sierra College serves more than 18,000 students each year across a 3,200-square-mile district in Placer, Nevada, and parts of El Dorado and Sacramento counties. With a focus on student success and workforce development, Sierra College offers a broad array of associate degrees, certificates, and dual enrolment opportunities in partnership with regional employers and K-12 districts. Learn more at https://www.sierracollege.edu/.