Cypress College Dual Enrollment Program Earns ACSA Partners in Educational Excellence Award
The Cypress College Dual Enrollment program has been honored with the prestigious Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Partners in Educational Excellence Award, recognizing its innovative approach to expanding access and equity to high school students.
The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD), a high school district partner of Cypress College, nominated the program for the award, which was presented by ACSA at its celebratory dinner on May 12, 2025.
The ACSA Partners in Educational Excellence award is given each year to school-community-partnership programs that continue to make a significant impact on student achievement, educational performance, and community involvement in educational quality.
“Part of the reason why we’re recognized is because there’s such a strong collaboration in everything that we do at the high school,” said Cypress College Dual Enrollment Director Stephanie Teer.
The program allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit and explore diverse career pathways at no cost. Students enrolled in dual enrollment courses or pathway classes earn college credit that can be applied toward Cypress College certificates or degrees. Specific courses may also be eligible for transfer to California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) institutions.
By equipping students with a competitive edge and background, the college ultimately encourages and supports student confidence in their abilities and talents.
“The reason dual enrollment is exploding in the country, especially in California, is because it works. Once a student starts on a path, they stay on it,” said Teer. “They say they find out it’s not as scary as [they] thought. I am college material because I’ve proved it.”
The Cypress College Dual Enrollment program continues to offer college credits but also aligns with in-demand career fields, furthering the education of high school students by providing them with practical skills and industry experience and certificates. Encompassing pathways in diverse areas like culinary, automotive, cybersecurity, photography and beyond demonstrates Cypress College’s dedication to serving diverse student populations.
Dual enrollment programs serve as a crucial bridge to continued higher education, reinforcing the role of community colleges like Cypress in preparing the future workforce and contributing to sustained enrollment and growth for both the program and the college.