Dual Enrollment Program Secures Impactful $1M Grant Toward Expansion
Fullerton College News Center
Campus News
Posted on October 29, 2025
The Dual Enrollment and High School Articulation Program at Fullerton College has secured a significant $4.75 million grant for its Middle College Early College (MCEC) and College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) initiatives. This funding will ensure equal access to dual enrollment courses for all students, regardless of their economic background, and establish seamless pathways from local communities to the college.
The program currently serves 18 high schools, offering around 175 classes annually. The grant funds will be distributed among several school districts:
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MCEC-Funded School Districts:
- Brea Olinda Unified School District
- Fullerton Joint Union School District
- Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District
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CCAP-Funded School Districts:
- Anaheim Union School District
- Brea Olinda Unified School District
- Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District
Interview with Tam Contreras, Director of Dual Enrollment and High School Articulation Program
Q: What was the process of securing these grants like? Were there any challenges?
Since assuming my role, I’ve engaged our partners in understanding this upcoming opportunity and highlighting the benefits of the grants. I also worked collaboratively with each high school district to review their programs, pathways, and align them with the grant narrative. We had just four weeks to complete 27 applications, as each high school applied for either CCAP, MCEC, or both, depending on their eligibility.
Q: Can you describe Fullerton College’s MCEC/CCAP goals with partner schools?
Our goals for these grants involve expanding dual enrollment opportunities for our high school partners. The funds will enhance accessibility through marketing and promotion and cover textbook costs for the students.
Q: How will the funds be utilized, and what impact do you anticipate?
The funding will support partnership efforts within the Dual Enrollment office, including increasing access to our support programs, direct support at high schools, and fostering stronger collaboration.
Q: What are your plans for the Dual Enrollment Office in the 2025-26 academic year?
We aim to expand course offerings, improve course success rates, and strengthen our community presence regarding dual enrollment efforts and opportunities.
Q: What excites you most about securing these grants?
I’m thrilled to ensure that our partnerships have robust funding support to realize their vision for our programs.
The Dual Enrollment and High School Articulation Program partners with local school districts to offer free college courses to K-12 students, providing an affordable way to begin their academic journey. It exposes students to college life, helps them earn transferable credits, and more.
Learn more about the program on its dedicated website.
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