Fort Valley State University in Georgia has announced a new partnership with Fresno Unified School District in California to establish an accelerated bridge to college access program for high school students.
Beginning this fall and continuing through June 30, 2027, 70 students from Sunnyside and McLane High Schools in Fresno, California, will have online access to college-level coursework through FVSU. Selected junior and senior students can concurrently earn up to 13 transferrable college credits and 43 credits towards high school graduation, providing them with an accelerated and affordable pathway to postsecondary education.
The program includes a nine-day campus tour with a visit to FVSU – fully funded by the Fresno Unified School District – and an in-person summer college experience to acclimate students to the HBCU’s community and academic offerings. Additionally, FVSU will provide participating students with technical support, tutoring services, and a dedicated student success specialist.
“Our partnership with Fresno Unified School District reinforces the school district’s mission and Fort Valley State University’s commitment to excellence in education,” said FVSU President Paul A. Jones. “We are proud to bring the HBCU experience to the West Coast and expand pathways to higher education for students who may not have previously considered this option.”
Timothy L. Hatchett, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at FVSU, added, “Dual enrollment is a powerful tool for expanding access to higher education, and we are proud to be leading the way in Georgia with a program that fosters early college success and shares our Wildcat pride. Students will not only gain access to rigorous college-level courses but also benefit from comprehensive wraparound services to ensure they thrive in the virtual learning environment.”
