There are many challenges high schoolers struggle with while attempting to take their first steps towards their dream job. It’s not a one way street, and an opportunity for one student could be a waste of precious time for another. Those who aim to attend a four year college would benefit most from taking dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment courses save money, time, and can help students stand out on college applications. Community colleges offer free dual enrollment courses to high schoolers in the State of California. 

Students can work towards an associates degree or general education certificate. It’s possible to earn an associates degree or general education certificate before graduating high school, without spending a cent. Community colleges offer IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) which transfers to four year universities to satisfy lower division courses. The majority of undergraduates spend their first two years of college taking general education classes required credits for their degree. General education classes make up half the credits for a bachelor’s degree.