Early Decision program continues to grow
Early Decision is one of the college's most successful outreach programs offered to incoming students. Designed to assist in the transition from high school to college, the ultimate goal of Early Decision is to instill confidence in students by equipping them with the resources and support services they need to succeed in college.
As graduating high school seniors make the decision to enroll at Citrus College, they receive support and assistance with the application process through assessments, orientations and abbreviated student educational plans. Additionally, participating students receive one year of priority registration.
Launched a decade ago, the Early Decision program was introduced to district high schools by the Citrus College Office of School Relations and Outreach. As the team conducted presentations, hosted parent orientations and facilitated workshops, high school students began to learn about the opportunities available at the college.
Soon, many decided to start their higher education journey at Citrus College. The first cohort consisted of just over 300 students. Each consecutive year, more and more students have joined the program. Because of this proactive outreach effort, Early Decision has earned a reputation for firmly establishing students on the path to college completion.
Due to the success of the Early Decision program, several school districts outside of the college's service area have contacted Citrus College to request that their high school seniors be permitted to participate in the program.
As a result, Early Decision was expanded to seven out-of-district high schools in 2016–2017, and to 10 out-of-district high schools in 2017–2018. The program has grown from 760 students in the 2014–2015 academic year to 958 students in 2016–2017.
This year, the college has added one additional high school and recently hosted an Early Decision day on campus.
"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Outreach Supervisor Ivon McCraven and her team's efforts at local high schools, the 2017-2018 cohort will be over 1,000 students from 21 area high schools," said Dr. Martha McDonald, vice president of student services. "Word is spreading about this innovative program and the success its participants are achieving."
This article originally appeared in the May 2018 edition of the Citrus View.