The Fresno Unified School District is expanding its dual enrollment option for students.
A second university has been added to the HBCU Step-Up Program.
Since 2022, the program has provided a pathway for students to earn up to 43 high school credits and 13 transferable credits through Benedict College.
Now, the district is adding a second HBCU partner: Fort Valley State University in Georgia.
HBCU Step-Up Dual Enrollment manager Gloria Ponce-Rodriguez says it was important that Fresno students had access to these kinds of colleges.
“HBCUs are not present in the West Coast, and so we want to make sure we offer all opportunities at Fresno Unified for our students where they feel that they’re the best fit — where they’ll succeed,” Ponce-Rodriguez said.
Up to 70 students from Sunnyside and McLane will have the opportunity to enroll.
She says being part of the program lets students begin their college careers with support from the district and the university.
Ponce-Rodriguez say data from previous cohorts proves the method is working.
“The average cohort GPA entering was 2.7, and they exited with a 3.3 as a cohort,” Ponce-Rodriguez said. “They learn what the process is and are better prepared when they do make that transition to higher education.”
Students in the Step-Up program will have the opportunity to visit the university as part of a nine-day college campus tour.
They can continue on to Fort Valley State University when they graduate high school or they can transfer elsewhere.
“The beauty of this program is that students can transfer to Fresno State. They can transfer to the UCs. They can go to the Ivy League. Those credits are transferable. Most importantly, it gives them a jump start to higher education,” Ponce-Rodriguez said.
The program is free of charge, and there are potential scholarships for students who have a GPA above 3.2.
Ponce-Rodriguez says students should be aware of this option and seriously consider it.
“Many of these schools do have various programs, and so people just need to be aware of what’s out there for their students and jump on those opportunities,” Ponce-Rodriguez said.
The district says around 100 students have already gone through the HBCU Step-Up Program.
