New MPC–MPUSD Partnership Creates Early College High School Pathways for Local Students interested in Allied Health and STEM Careers
Monterey Peninsula College, in partnership with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, is proud to announce the planned launch of two Early College High School programs at Marina High School and Seaside High School beginning in Fall 2026. This transformative initiative will allow incoming 9th grade students to apply for admission into a structured transfer certificate program aligned with the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), setting them on a direct path to college completion before high school graduation and into high-demand, high-wage careers. The Early College High School program will offer two focused areas of study: Allied Health and STEM. These pathways were purposefully selected to reflect regional workforce needs and to accelerate college and career outcomes for students who may not have historically had access to such opportunities.
“By embedding a full college transfer pathway and sustained support directly into the high school day, we are ensuring that students who have historically been excluded from both higher education and high-wage professions have a clear, supported path into the workforce our community depends on,” said Dr. Jessie Betancourt, Director of Dual Enrollment and K-12 Partnerships at Monterey Peninsula College. Adding that, “Equity is not an add-on to this program; it is the foundation.”
Equity-Centered Design
This is an equity-driven, application-based opportunity designed specifically to expand access to higher education for students who deserve a fair shot at earning a college degree. The admissions process will prioritize first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and those who have historically been underrepresented in higher education, including Latinx, Black/African American, AAPI, and Native American youth.
Rather than expecting students to navigate college systems alone, the Early College High School model brings college directly to them; on their high school campuses, embedded into their school day, with built-in supports. This structure removes common barriers such as transportation, complex enrollment systems, and a lack of college guidance.
A Direct Pathway to College Completion
By completing General Education coursework as part of their high school schedule, students will be able to graduate having satisfied the complete CSU/UC lower-division requirements. This means that many students will enter college as sophomores or juniors, saving families thousands of dollars in tuition and living expenses, expediting the completion of a 4-year degree, and entering high-demand, high-wage professions.
High-Touch Support and Real-World Career Exposure
To ensure student success and belonging, MPC and MPUSD will draw on strategies such as:
- Dedicated counseling and case management beginning in 9th grade
- On-site tutoring and academic support labs
- Mentorship and career talks from local healthcare and STEM industry professionals
- Family workshops to help caregivers understand college processes, financial aid, and transfer pathways
- Purposeful cohort-building to foster community, confidence, and identity as college-going scholars
“Early College High School has the power to change the trajectory of a student’s life, and a family’s future,” said Dr. PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “Through this partnership with Monterey Peninsula College, our students can earn college credit, save thousands of dollars, and graduate high school with momentum, confidence, and a clear path forward. This is what it looks like when equity is designed into the system, not added later.”
This partnership reflects a bold and intentional commitment to educational justice, recognizing that talent is distributed equally across communities, but access and opportunity are not. By launching this Early College High School initiative, MPC and MPUSD are creating a pathway that says clearly to students: College is for you, and we will walk with students every step of the way.
Parent and students of 8th grade students are invited to attend community presentations to learn more about Early College High School Program on the following dates:
| Marina Community Presentation |
Los Arboles Middle School 294 Hillcrest Ave, Marina, CA 93933 |
February 4 5:30–6:30 PM |
| Seaside Community Presentation |
Seaside Middle School 999 Coe Ave, Seaside, CA 93955 |
February 11 5:30–6:30 PM |
| Districtwide Virtual Presentation |
February 18 5:30–6:30 PM |
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Application Opens: January 12, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
- Interviews Conducted: May 2026 (Subject to change)
- Notification of Acceptance: June 2026 or earlier
About Monterey Peninsula College:
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California's public community college system, is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to the scenic Monterey campus located on 90+ acres, MPC's district includes the Public Safety Training Center in Seaside and the Education Center at Marina. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational and cultural needs of its diverse community, and is distinguished for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District:
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is home to approximately 9,600 students in grades transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also houses preschool and adult education. The district is built on a solid foundation of effective instruction, positive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership. The district is nestled along the Monterey Bay, and stretches from the city of Marina to the north to the city of Monterey to the south, and encompasses the communities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City and Seaside.