Early College Program

 

Program Overview

Early College Program

The Cerritos College Early College Program (ECP) allows high school students to begin their college journey in 9th grade - earning degree-applicable college units while completing their high school diploma.

Students follow a structured four-year pathway aligned to university transfer requirements (Cal-GETC), with embedded advising and tuition-free coursework designed to accelerate momentum toward college completion.

The Early College Program is a four-year partnership between participating high schools and Cerritos College that allows students to begin their college journey in 9th grade.

High school and college teams collaborate to create a structured academic sequence that integrates college coursework into the high school schedule. Courses are intentionally selected to meet the needs of each school while guiding students toward completion of the Cal-GETC (California General Education Transfer Curriculum).

Students follow a clear, predetermined pathway each year, earning transferable college units while completing their high school graduation requirements.

Through this structured design, students build momentum early and graduate prepared for transfer and continued degree progress.

How Particpation Works: 

  1. Studies apply through their high school.
  2. High schools review and select partivpants based on established criteria.
  3. Selected students complete the Cerritos College application and required Early College Program forms to finalize enrollment and begin their four-year pathway.

Participating High Schools:

  • ABC Unified School District
    • Artesia High School
    • Cerritos High School
    • Gretchen A. Whitney High School
    • Richard Gahr High School
  • Bellflower Unified School District
    • Bellflower High School
    • Mayfair High School
  • Downey Unified School District
    • Downey High School
    • Warren High School
  • Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
    • La Mirada High School
    • Norwalk High School
  • St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy (PMA)

Student Resources

We're here to help!
Our Cerritos College Dual Enrollment team provides students with guidance, resources, and support throughout their dual enrollment experience.

Support Throughout Your Journey

  • Zoom Drop-In
    Connect with a Dual Enrollment team member on Zoom for help with applications, forms, enrollment, and general questions. No appointment is required.

    Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
    Zoom
  • Dual Enrollment Counseling
    Request an appointment with a Cerritos College Dual Enrollment counselor for academic guidance and support.
    View
  • Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

    Learn about accommodations and support services available to eligible students with disabilities.

    View

 

 

Student Voices

Midori Morita Menendez
"As I applied to colleges this year, I felt extremely confident that I am prepared for the rigorous curriculum. I can thank my confidence in myself and my education to Cerritos College for showing me that there is support at my fingertips and to always push myself to go above and beyond."
Midori Morita Menendez
Norwalk High School-Class of 2025
Emmanuel J. Salazar Lira
"The Early College Program gave me the opportunity to challenge myself in college while still in high school, earn two Associate Degrees, and discover what I'm truly capable of. The support from my professors and counselors pushed me to aim higher, stay disciplined, and never settle for less. Because of ECP, I'll be stepping onto LMU's campus not only with college credits, but with confidence, experience, and a clear vision of the impact I want to make."
Emmanuel J. Salazar Lira
Norwalk High School-Class of 2026