Adult Education to Community College Transitions

The Program of Practice

Adult school students who identify transitioning to community college as their goal often face challenges due to a lack of understanding of the enrollment process, the need for support with registration and enrollment, and feeling unprepared to leave the adult education setting and navigate the community college environment.

The Response

The partnership between the two districts has led to concrete actions:
1. Placing a community college counselor on a rotating schedule at the four adult schools
2. Establishing an SB 554 transition pipeline
3. Embedding noncredit community college courses into adult education programs and articulating qualified courses

The Unique Features of the Program

1. A community college counselor rotates among the four adult schools, offering one-on-one appointments during both morning and evening hours. During these sessions, students can explore available courses and pathways, work with the college counselor to develop an individualized education plan, and explore the next steps.
2. To support the SB 554 transition pipeline—marketed as "Fast Forward to College"—an adult school counselor visits classrooms to explain the eligibility requirements, benefits, and opportunities available through SB 554. In addition, students are invited to ongoing community college field trips. This
3. Recognizing that customer service is a vital skill in the medical field, adult school medical programs have integrated noncredit community college customer service six-hour courses into their curriculum. These embedded and articulated courses help prepare students for the academic expectations of the community college while equipping them with skills. Similarly, the construction trades adult school courses recognize the importance of offering OSHA certifications and have embedded this in their courses.

The Outcome

1. Sweetwater Adult School student appointments with Southwestern College counselor since May 14, 2024: 82
2. The number of students who participate in SB 554 has steadily increased from Fall 2022 to Spring 2025:
   Fall 2022- 4 students
   Spring 2023- 7 students
   Fall 2023- 13 students
   Spring 2024- 19 students
   Fall 2024- 24 students
   Spring 2025- 28 students
3. 15 SWC courses were offered at the adult schools within the 2024-25 school year.
   A total of 294 students enrolled in these courses.
   For many adult school students, transitioning to community college represents a critical step toward achieving their educational and career aspirations. However, this transition often presents significant challenges, including unfamiliarity with the enrollment process, difficulties in navigating registration and financial aid, and apprehension about leaving the supportive environment of adult education to enter a new and complex academic setting. Recognizing these barriers, the partnership between the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and Southwestern College (SWC) has implemented targeted strategies to facilitate seamless transitions and ensure student success.
   Through a series of intentional and coordinated efforts, SUHSD and SWC have established initiatives that directly address the needs of adult learners, helping them gain confidence and access the resources necessary to thrive in a college environment. One of these efforts is that a community college counselor is placed on a rotating schedule across four adult schools, ensuring accessibility for students who may need individualized guidance. This counselor is available for one-on-one appointments during both morning and evening sessions, allowing students to explore academic pathways, available courses, and degree or certification programs. This personalized support enables students to develop an individualized education plan aligned with their career goals.
   In addition to enhancing awareness and accessibility of the SB 554 transition pathway, SUHSD and SWC have branded their initiative as "Fast Forward to College." An adult school counselor regularly visits classrooms to educate students about eligibility requirements, benefits, and opportunities available through SB 554. Additionally, a designated Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) advisor provides hands-on assistance with college registration and FAFSA completion, mitigating financial barriers that often hinder enrollment. Also, field trips to the different SWC campuses have proven effective in sparking student interest and empowering them to envision their future in higher education. In the 2024- 2025 school year, over 400 adult school students had the opportunity to participate in a total of five field trips. They explored the unique signature programs offered at each campus, engaged with program coordinators to gain valuable insights, and immersed themselves in a firsthand experience of college life.
   Recognizing the importance of early exposure to college-level coursework, noncredit community college courses have been integrated into adult education programs to help students build essential academic and professional skills. For instance, adult school medical programs now include a six-hour noncredit customer service course, reinforcing the importance of professionalism and effective communication in healthcare settings. Similarly, adult school construction trades courses have embedded OSHA certification training, equipping students with essential industry-recognized credentials. These embedded and articulated courses not only prepare students for the academic rigor of community college but also enhance their employability.
   The collaborative efforts between SUHSD and SWC have significantly strengthened the bridge between adult education and community college, ensuring that students receive the guidance, resources, and support necessary for a successful transition. By fostering structured counseling services, simplifying enrollment through the SB 554 pathway, and incorporating noncredit college coursework, this partnership empowers adult learners to confidently pursue higher education and career advancement.