Wave Staff Report
LYNWOOD — Fifteen seniors from Lynwood High School achieved a milestone in June by graduating from college while simultaneously receiving their high school diplomas as part of the Lynwood Unified School District’s tuition-free dual enrollment program in partnership with Compton College.
Proudly wearing their Compton College caps and gowns, the first cohort of students in the district’s dual enrollment program participated in the June 7 commencement ceremony at the college, earning their associate degrees alongside their college peers while earning praise from Lynwood school administrators and college professors.
The highlight of the ceremony was a surprise speech by Grammy Award-winning rapper and Compton native Kendrick Lamar, who reminded the students that no matter where they come from, they have the power to be excellent. The Lynwood Knights then commemorated their high school graduation on June 11, with plans to attend UCLA, Cal State Long Beach and more this fall.
“We are so excited to celebrate the success of this academic partnership that encourages our Lynwood students to earn free college credits while in high school,” said Christine Arostigue-Manson, director of secondary education for the Lynwood Unified School District. “Not only does this accelerate their progress in college, but it will also help them gain confidence as students at the university level.”
The dual enrollment program debuted at Lynwood High School in 2020. It is offered to Lynwood and Firebaugh students who have shown academic promise and dedication to accelerating their postsecondary pathways.
The program consists of several general education courses equivalent to 60 college credits — enough for students to enter a four-year university as juniors. Starting freshman year, students take summer and winter session classes taught by Compton College professors on the high school campus. Classes are taken outside normal school hours to ensure students can focus on achieving their high school coursework while dedicating their time to completing the college curriculum.
The second dual enrollment cohort — which includes the first cohort of Firebaugh High students — is currently in summer session and working toward degrees they hope to achieve by spring 2025.
“Initially I wanted to take dual enrollment classes to get ahead on credits,” Firebaugh High School senior and dual enrollment student Denise Facio said. “I have taken various courses and after taking sociology, I realized how much I enjoyed it. Now I am proud to say that I have found my passion and will pursue becoming a psychology major after graduating in 2025.”
The 2024-25 school year also will see the dual enrollment program expand to include a pilot partnership with Cal State Dominguez Hills, which will offer courses at Lynwood High School and empower students to build a relationship with the Cal State system while in high school.
“We are proud to offer our students transformative educational opportunities that remove barriers to their success, increase their exposure to college and expand access to rigorous coursework,” Lynwood Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “Congratulations to our first cohort of dual enrollment students, who have earned more than just diplomas and degrees, but have also received a crucial head start to their higher education goals.”
