Huntington Beach, Calif. — Golden West College (GWC) is expanding its dual enrollment partnerships with the launch of a new Early College Academy (ECA) at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD). Recruitment for the inaugural freshman cohort will begin in January 2026, with the program officially opening for the 2026–2027 school year.
Through this new collaboration, GWC will offer college-level courses to Bolsa Grande High School students during the regular school day at no cost to families. Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 60 transferable college credits — and in some cases, earn an Associate of Arts degree — before graduating from high school.
“This expansion reflects Golden West College’s commitment to creating equitable and affordable pathways to higher education,” said President Meridith Randall. “By bringing college courses directly to high school campuses, we’re helping local students build confidence, reduce the cost of college, and get a head start on their educational goals.”
Designed with an emphasis on equity and access, the Early College model helps remove barriers for first-generation and historically underrepresented students, giving them the opportunity to experience college success early on, with dedicated support every step of the way.
The new Bolsa Grande ECA builds on the success of GWC’s existing partnership with Los Amigos High School, which has served more than 400 students to date. Among the Los Amigos Class of 2025, students earned more than 3,400 transferable college credits, and 53 students graduated with both their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree.
Early College Academies bridge the gap between high school and college, offering embedded academic and counseling supports to ensure student success. Students enrolled in the program experience a true college learning environment while maintaining the support of their high school community.
“GWC is proud to be a trusted partner in helping GGUSD students and families access the benefits of higher education early,” said Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jennifer Kalfsbeek-Goetz. “Programs like this strengthen our local workforce, improve transfer outcomes, and inspire students to see themselves as college scholars from day one.”
Recruitment for Bolsa Grande’s Early College Academy will target incoming freshmen from feeder intermediate schools in the district. Interested students and families can learn more through GGUSD and Golden West College information sessions beginning later this year.
