What is College Connection?
College Connection is an alternative education program which establishes a unique partnership between Shasta College and the districts in the Shasta College attendance area. Selected seniors will attend Shasta College on a daily basis concurrently earning both high school and college credit.

Who is Eligible?
A junior, in good standing at a College Connection Consortium high school is eligible. If transferring from a local, private, or charter home school, the student must attend a college connection consortium high school for his or her junior year. A student may be considered after one semester, with special circumstances. A student who has not been a resident of California for the past year will have to pay out of state fees.

What are the goals of this program?
The primary goals are to provide accelerated, challenging courses to the strong, academic college-bound student and to provide highly motivated vocational students an opportunity to develop their special talents more intensely and to begin work on an AA degree or certificate.

How are students selected?
Students are selected based through an application process during the spring of their junior year. This consists of a written application and face to face interview. The program is limited to 120 students.

How much will this program cost, and who pays?
The Shasta College fees are currently $20 per semester unit, plus the cost of books and materials. Additional costs include campus fees of approximately $35. If the student drives a semester fee of $25 is needed to purchase a parking permit. A bus pass can be purchased for $60 a semester.

Can the students participate in high school athletics or inter-collegiate competitions?
Yes and no. According to CIF rules, students who earn at least 20 high school credits, with a C average are able to participate in high school sports. Because the student has not graduated from high school he/she is not eligible for inter-collegiate sports.

How will students work on a daily basis?
Students attend Shasta College on a daily basis. All students will spend the 8 am hour in a College Connection class. Between 9 am and the afternoon, the student will take two other high school courses plus college courses.

Who will supervise and counsel the participating students?
A full time high school staff person will be assigned as a teacher/advisor. In addition to teaching the required high school coursework the teacher/advisor will have the responsibility to meet with the students to advise them and to assure the opportunity for success as they progress through the program.

Is the student "locked in" to this program for a full year?
Students who enrolled in the program are expected to commit to a full year program. However, if it is in the best interest of the students, he/she may return to the high school at the semester.

What are the potential negatives to this program?
A word of caution should be given to the student. The opportunity to accelerate and excel carries with it the risk of failure. If freedom is misused or study habits neglected, a student could jeopardize his/her graduation or be placed on academic probation for college level work.

What are the benefits of College Connection?
The obvious benefit is giving the student a head start into his/her college or vocational program. The secondary benefits include a flexible environment, interaction with community college instructors, rich course selection, and an opportunity to develop successful habits for college. Last but not least the student will receive 11-22 college units at a nominal cost.