ACCJC On the Move recognizes Mendocino College
Mendocino College is a California public two-year institution located in rural Northern California and serves over 5,000 students. Averaging fewer than 25 residents per square mile, with their unique geographic and demographic landscapes, Mendocino and Lake Counties are quintessential examples of rural America. I had the opportunity to visit the main campus in Ukiah earlier this year and was struck by the rolling hills and how the campus seamlessly fits into the surrounding nature. In addition to the main campus and three centers, President Tim Karas shared that dual enrollment and community partnerships are critical strategies to increase access to higher education to every community in Lake and Mendocino Counties.
Breaking Barriers: Mendocino College’s Dual Enrollment Initiative Addresses Gender and Socioeconomic Disparities
Mendocino College is closing academic inequity gaps by leveraging its Dual Enrollment program to support historically underserved communities and marginalized groups. This initiative is showing progress in reducing inequities between genders and for under-resourced and first-generation students, providing them with access to college-level courses in high school settings. Efforts to support Native American students have been particularly noteworthy, with a significant increase in enrollment and targeted outreach initiatives to serve this community, particularly K-12 Native American men who were enrolled at a rate 15% higher than their non-K12 counterparts in Spring 2024 alone.
By extending its reach to ten high schools, some with fewer than 250 students, the college offers a practical pathway to higher education for students who may not have considered college otherwise. Mendocino and Lake Counties have some of the highest dual enrollment participation rates for high school students in California, according to “A Strong Start for College and Career,” by the UC Davis Wheelhouse Center for Community College Leadership and Research.
Louise Simson, Superintendent of Anderson Valley Unified School District, attests to the transformative impact of this partnership,
“Happy tears came down when my first 13 kids finished the auto class on your campus this Fall. Those are kids THAT NEVER WOULD HAVE ACCESSED COLLEGE…Your partnership to let my students see what a quality educational experience looks like is life-transforming. We need to do more together, and not just for the honors kids.”
By connecting directly with high school students in rural and socioeconomically challenged regions, Mendocino College is addressing gender and socioeconomic disparities to improve college-going rates countywide.
Community Partnerships that Make a Difference
In addition to supporting dual enrollment to increase access, Mendocino College is also leveraging community partnerships to address basic needs, including transportation, internet access, wellness resources, and food insecurity. This work involves ongoing dialog and partnership with agencies in the region. A recent success built on the college’s partnership with two regional transportation agencies. The college has been partnering with them for multiple years to bring free bus rides to its students; however, budget reductions caused the elimination of the evening bus line serving the city. Working together a solution was identified and the line restored. Jacob King, Executive Director of Mendocino Transit Authority states, “this service not only enhances transportation for our community but also helps college students by providing free and convenient transportation.” In addition to the college campus, the bus stops throughout Ukiah, including downtown, the Mendocino Community Health Clinic, and limited services to Ukiah High School. The hourly bus service runs daily from 5:00 -11:00 p.m., supporting the greater community and allowing students access to night classes with affordable, regular public transportation.
In addition to providing free transportation, Mendocino College is making internet hotspots, Chromebooks, school supplies, college-wide snack stations, and food distribution available to students. The college stocks restrooms with free shampoo, soap, combs, toothpaste, and other hygiene products that anyone can help themselves to without needing to ask. While it may seem like a small step, the strategy is reducing stigmas that created barriers to students seeking help. Community partnerships also support these important strategies. Mendocino College partners with the local food bank to provide food to students and a local bank to offer financial literacy workshops.