MUHSD expands dual-enrollment with Merced College, launches ninth-grade college-credit pilot
April 15, 2026 | Merced Union High, School Districts, California
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District staff described an expansion of dual-enrollment options in partnership with Merced College, aimed at increasing college credit access for MUHSD students.
Mrs. Ballenger and Tiffany Gong outlined three primary pathways: C-CAP (College and Career Access Pathways) online courses with no fees, dual enrollment courses taught during the school day by MUHSD instructors (no fees), and concurrent enrollment courses taught on the Merced College campus that carry fees. Gary points (presenters) stressed that tuition is free for students up to 11 units under district and college agreements and that pathway counselors actively monitor enrollment to prevent students from exceeding that threshold.
Tiffany Gong described the process for MUHSD teachers to qualify as Merced College adjuncts (transcripts, interviews, syllabus submissions) and emphasized monitoring practices: pathway counselors and instructional coaches track rosters, compliance with academic rigor, and withdrawal deadlines because college credits remain permanent on a student’s college transcript. She said the district increased dual-enrollment courses over three years (from about 12 to 17 courses) and reported a 26% increase in fall semester enrollment compared with the prior year. A new ninth-grade pilot course (Management 52: Foundations of Wellbeing) was rolled out to all comprehensive sites to provide a first college-credit experience.
Trustees asked about coordination with Merced College and alerts for high-school students enrolled in concurrent classes; staff noted improved communication and an 'early alert' program under development at the college. Staff said they meet monthly with Merced College dual-enrollment leadership and have increased adjunct faculty participation to more than 20 teachers.
What happens next: Staff will continue to expand access, refine pathway alignment, and monitor student performance and unit loads to prevent billing or transcript issues.
Mrs. Ballenger and Tiffany Gong outlined three primary pathways: C-CAP (College and Career Access Pathways) online courses with no fees, dual enrollment courses taught during the school day by MUHSD instructors (no fees), and concurrent enrollment courses taught on the Merced College campus that carry fees. Gary points (presenters) stressed that tuition is free for students up to 11 units under district and college agreements and that pathway counselors actively monitor enrollment to prevent students from exceeding that threshold.
Tiffany Gong described the process for MUHSD teachers to qualify as Merced College adjuncts (transcripts, interviews, syllabus submissions) and emphasized monitoring practices: pathway counselors and instructional coaches track rosters, compliance with academic rigor, and withdrawal deadlines because college credits remain permanent on a student’s college transcript. She said the district increased dual-enrollment courses over three years (from about 12 to 17 courses) and reported a 26% increase in fall semester enrollment compared with the prior year. A new ninth-grade pilot course (Management 52: Foundations of Wellbeing) was rolled out to all comprehensive sites to provide a first college-credit experience.
Trustees asked about coordination with Merced College and alerts for high-school students enrolled in concurrent classes; staff noted improved communication and an 'early alert' program under development at the college. Staff said they meet monthly with Merced College dual-enrollment leadership and have increased adjunct faculty participation to more than 20 teachers.
What happens next: Staff will continue to expand access, refine pathway alignment, and monitor student performance and unit loads to prevent billing or transcript issues.
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