CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College and the Konocti Unified School District have announced the award of the California State Chancellor's Office Middle College High School Grant to create and support the first middle college model in Lake County.

The dual college and high school enrollment program at the Konocti Education Center Medical Career Pathway Program will expand to increase the opportunity for high school students to take college courses that can be applied toward a high school diploma and toward a college degree or certificate.

Located adjacent to the Woodland Community College Lake County Campus, Konocti Education Center's Medical Career Pathway Program already requires students to take two college courses in order to receive their high school diploma.

This program will enable Konocti Education Center students, during their regular school day, to take a majority of the college credits necessary for them to obtain an associate's degree for transfer to a four-year university or specialized health training program by the end of their four years in high school.

This unique course delivery model will also provide Konocti Education Center students free access to their college units and textbooks, at an estimated total cost savings for families at approximately $6,000 per student.

Students will receive supplemental instruction, peer models and coaching, small class sizes, specialized counseling and curricula, academic support, monitoring of coursework throughout the process, and will follow the alignment of a medical pathway leading to a career in the field.

Because of the Konocti Education Center Medical Career Pathway Program's close proximity to the Woodland Community College Lake Campus, students will attend classes on both the high school and college campuses enabling them to integrate into the college campus environment.

The primary goals of this program are to offer a unique opportunity for students to earn college units, reduce absenteeism and high school dropout rates, and improve students' academic performance opportunities for college success. 

It offers a supportive and challenging academic environment that incorporates motivational techniques and learning behaviors with innovative curricula promoting the building of academic skills and career development.

By improving participating students’ academic and decision-making skills as well as their self-concept and self-esteem, the middle college high school model will be a launch board for success in college and career readiness.

“This is an exciting partnership for our school and for our community. The courses offered during the school day will extend our medical pathway opportunities and reduce the time and money it takes for our students to reach college and career goals,” says Konocti Education Center Principal Melissa Lambert.

“This partnership between KUSD and WCC will provide an educational and financial advantage to our students who are most vulnerable, with the ultimate goal of graduating high school seniors landing only a semester or two away from receiving their Associate's degree. Early studies indicate that this opportunity will help provide a successful transition to college and career for these students,” said Annette Lee, Woodland Community College's Lake County Campus executive dean.

Woodland Community College joins about a dozen other community colleges across the state involved in offering the middle college model, according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.