When Merced College sought to expand the reach of their dual enrollment program, they turned to the counseling departments at their high school partner, Merced Union High School District (Merced Union HSD). 
Merced Union HSD includes six comprehensive schools and two alternative schools. Working in partnership with the local high schools, the college and school district developed a Pathways Counselor position at every high school in the district. Each Pathways Counselor is also an adjunct counselor at Merced College. This dual role enables the counselors to support high school students through the process, from initial interest to enrollment in college courses, with fewer slowdowns or hang ups.