Citrus College Honors Chris Holden for AB 288

Assemblymember Holden with the Citrus College Board of Trustees. – Courtesy photo

College and Career Access Pathways Act Improves Transition from High School to College

Citrus College presented Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) with the Shining Star for Vision award during the college’s annual Convocation, held Aug. 19.

Assemblymember Holden received the award for his leadership on the landmark legislation, Assembly Bill 288, which expands high school students’ access to college courses. “Citrus College was pleased to express its gratitude and appreciation to Holden for his efforts to promote dual enrollment programs,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. “As a result of his foresight and tenacity, California will make great strides toward improving the college readiness of high school students, building pathways to career technical education and improving the persistence and success of college students.”

In 2015, Holden authored AB 288, the College and Career Access Pathways Act. The bill, which took effect last January, creates partnerships between high schools and community colleges to allow a broader range of students to take college-level courses at their high schools or on college campuses – known as concurrent or dual enrollment – increasing their college readiness, completion and success.

Holden’s leadership on AB 288 was instrumental in presenting him with the Shining Star for Vision award. This recognition honors individuals whose outstanding achievements support Citrus College’s vision of providing educational opportunities that respond to community needs and helping students meet economic, social and environmental challenges.

“It is an honor to receive Citrus College’s 2016 Shining Star Award for vision,” said Holden. “Dual enrollment helps high school students become college ready, while at the same time giving them a way to earn community college credit, and possibly a certificate or degree when completing high school. I’m looking forward to seeing the agreements between colleges and high schools in action, and the opportunities they create for students.”

Through the College and Career Pathways Act, dual enrollment has become an even more viable and effective method to prepare high school students, even those who may have struggled academically, to complete high school and enter college. “On behalf of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I congratulate Assemblymember Holden for his dedication to eliminate the achievement gap and improve the transition from high school to college through his authorship of AB 288,” said Susan M. Keith, president, Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees.

“Citrus College introduced the Shining Star Awards in 2010 as a way to celebrate and acknowledge the talented and committed individuals whose tireless efforts enable students to reach their goals,” said Dr. Perri. “Annually, the college community is invited to nominate deserving candidates, such as Assemblymember Holden, for these special awards. It is always an honor to recognize the impressive individuals who have helped distinguish Citrus College as a stellar institution of higher education.”

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