In recent developments, the legislature passed a bill that would support work-based learning, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and Board of Governors affirmed the system’s continued commitment to expanding the reach of dual enrollment opportunities.
Removing barriers to work-based learning experiences
AB 323 (Fong) would allow colleges to use Strong Workforce Program (SWP) funding to directly support students in paid work-based learning experiences such as internships. The bill was co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), San Diego Community College District, and the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. It is now on the governor’s desk for signing.
In its support for AB 323, LACCD noted that “paid internships and work-based learning, more broadly, serve as an important bridge between academic programs and the world of work.” Unpaid internships, on the other hand, can be out of reach for students from underrepresented communities who are supporting themselves or their families. AB 323 would help remove barriers to valuable work-based learning experiences.
The bill’s provisions would apply to the portion of SWP funding that goes directly to colleges, not the share that goes to the regional consortia. It also would not apply to the SWP K12 funds which are distributed separately via the regional consortia and specifically targeted to funding local school districts in a competitive process.
Continuing support for dual enrollment opportunities
Under Vision 2030’s ninth-grade to baccalaureate strategy, the CCCCO has pressed to expand dual enrollment opportunities statewide. At the September Board of Governors meeting, they affirmed continued support for colleges in this effort with a state budget request and an expressed commitment to finding legislative solutions that would streamline participation and expand the reach of dual enrollment opportunities.
The state budget request was for $24.2 million in one-time funding for a California Community Colleges College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) Grant Program that would support community colleges to develop or expand dual enrollment partnerships with high schools and K-12 districts.
If included in the 2026-27 state budget, it would bolster the capacity of colleges to meet increased demand for dual enrollment. It would also complement recent state investments in dual enrollment and Golden State Pathways grants, which primarily funded K-12 districts.