Local Students Match Big Dreams with Big Opportunities

The California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV), a unique public charter school, opened its doors in spring 2017. This spring, CSArts-SGV will present its “Season Finale Fanfare Experience” at Citrus College’s Haugh Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 26.

As it has for the past two years, this annual event will feature performances and works of art from each of the school’s arts conservatory programs, including the School of Dance, the School of Fine and Media Arts, the School of Music and the School of Theatre. And, Citrus College is more than a venue where CSArts-SGV students can showcase their talents. The college is also in partnership with CSArts-SGV, offering early college classes taught by college faculty on CSArts-SGV’s campus in Duarte.

As part of Citrus College’s robust Early College/Dual Enrollment programs, CSArts-SGV high school students can simultaneously earn both high school and college credit, while taking rigorous conservatory style courses in Citrus College’s world renowned Visual and Performing Arts program. In addition to an opportunity to study for the careers of their dreams, this partnership also provides students with access to the same student services that are available to traditional Citrus College students. Currently, Citrus College holds more than a dozen dual-enrollment classes on the CSArts-SGV campus.

A new policy brief by the American Institutes of Research (AIR) found a strong return on investments made in early college programs across the country. According to Dr. Kristina Zeiser, a lead researcher for AIR, “…research showed that that early colleges are an effective way to increase rates of college-going and college completion...” In addition, early college programs, where students earn their high school diploma and credit towards an associate degree, have a positive impact on participants’ enrollment and success in college. They are also helping to close stubborn achievement gaps.

Citrus College’s early college program and CSArts-SGV are proving to be two innovative educational paradigms that partner beautifully together. While approximately 10 percent of students reside in Duarte, CSArts-SGV draws students from more than 80 cities within and beyond the San Gabriel Valley, providing opportunities for career training in fine and performing arts within reach of hundreds of aspiring students each year.

About the Author:

Dr. Edward C. Ortell is the senior governing board member at Citrus College and a Professor Emeritus at Pasadena City College. He has served on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) state board of directors and 11 terms as president of the Citrus College Board of Trustees.