WHEREAS, For every 10 California students who enroll in high school only seven graduate, just over three enroll in college, and fewer than two complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree within 150 percent of the standard time; and
WHEREAS, California’s economy increasingly depends on the educational achievement of its fastest-growing population groups, which are the same young people that many high schools leave behind; and
WHEREAS, Sixty-one California early college high schools provide a bold solution to educating high school students, at a time when California’s economic competitiveness depends on ensuring an education that enables all students to acquire the skills that meet 21st century workforce needs; and
WHEREAS, Early college high schools blend high
school and college coursework to allow low-income, first-generation college goers, English language learners, students of color, and other underrepresented youth to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree or up to two years of credit toward a Bachelor’s degree; and
WHEREAS, Studies have found that states can realize significant returns on investments in early college high schools, with state returns for every dollar spent estimated between $1.33 and $2.11 more than traditional high schools over the course of 15 years, and $2.51 to $3.95 more over the course of 25 years; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes May 4 through 10 as the National Early College High School Week and the month of May as Early College High School Month in California for early college high schools and their partners in the state that bring together students, administrators, parents, community leaders, and legislators to honor the commitment and success of the Early College High School Initiative; and be it further