Dual enrollment programs at Camp Afflerbaugh and Camp Glenn Rockey are proving that justice-involved youth can excel in higher education.

Two years ago, both camps launched dual enrollment programs in partnership with Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. Sac). Since then, the programs have made a remarkable impact. Camp Afflerbaugh currently has 8 students enrolled, with approximately 35 students having participated since the program's inception. Camp Rockey serves 12 students, with about 38 total enrollees over the past two years.

Real College, Real Credit

Students are currently taking Counseling 51, taught by a Mt. Sac counselor who visits both camps twice weekly. This six-week, one-unit course runs from October to December and focuses on career planning, helping students explore careers aligned with their interests and skills, and developing a two-year college plan.

Students earn one college credit and 3.33 high school credits. Camp Rockey students also receive a certificate of completion along with their college transcript, giving them both high school elective credit and college credit.

More Than Academics

What makes this program truly transformative is the comprehensive support system surrounding these students. Mt. Sac partners with the Rising Scholars Network to provide mentors who were previously incarcerated themselves, offering students authentic role models who understand their challenges and can guide them forward.

Camp counselors report that dual enrollment students are more engaged and motivated. The program builds confidence, showing students they're capable of completing college-level work. It challenges misconceptions about juvenile court students, demonstrating that they have both academic ability and potential to succeed in higher education.

Both camps offer robust support services. Students with IEPs can access the necessary accommodations at Camp Afflerbaugh and Camp Rockey. All students receive mental health services, academic counseling and introductions to the full range of Mt. Sac's campus resources. Field trips to Mt. Sac allow students to tour the campus and envision themselves as college students.

Creating Lasting Connections

The program's impact extends beyond camp walls. Some students who have left the probation camps have enrolled at Mt. Sac, continuing their educational journey. Rising Scholars provides warm handoffs, connecting students with other colleges and ensuring they have contacts and support as they transition back into their communities.

This dual enrollment initiative demonstrates that with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, justice-involved youth can excel academically. By investing in these students' education, the program opens doors that many thought were closed and helps young people discover their own potential to succeed.

Expanding Partnerships Across Camps

Besides the partnership between Camps Rockey and Afflerbaugh with Mt. SAC, other juvenile court schools, probation camps and county community schools also offer dual enrollment opportunities. Camp Kirby and Renaissance County Community Schools have dual enrollment programs with East Los Angeles College, while Los Padrinos collaborates with Cerritos College. Barry J. Nidorf works with Los Angeles Mission College and Los Angeles Valley College.

LACOE also maintains College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) agreements, formal partnerships with community colleges that provide dual enrollment classes to students, with the following institutions:

• L.A. Mission Community College
• L.A. Valley Community College
• West L.A. Community College
• College of the Canyons Community College