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District staff and students describe growth, supports in Middle College early‑college program
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Summary
District presenters described an expanded Middle College (Bridal College) program at Foothill College that serves roughly 92 students, allows up to 60 transferable college credits over two years, and has added student supports and outreach to increase access.
Mountain View–Los Altos staff and students presented an update on the district’s Middle College program (also called Bridal College and College Now) at the March 17 board meeting, reporting growth, student supports and recruitment efforts aimed at increasing access.
Middle College at a glance Presenters said the program serves students who are dually enrolled at Foothill College while attending district classes in the afternoon; students take between seven and 11 college units per quarter and can earn up to 60 transferable credits over two years. Staff described small, seminar‑style high‑school classes paired with college coursework and an added third “community” hour devoted to advising, study support and campus integration.
Expansion and enrollment Presenters said the program recently expanded to handle increased demand. The team reported “about 92” students currently enrolled and described a deliberate recruitment strategy that includes outreach through AVID and targeted queries on the district’s student information system to identify students who might benefit from the program but not self‑select.
Student supports and outcomes Staff described several supports: on‑site mental‑health services through a partnership with Pacific Clinics, special‑education coordination for IEP students, tutoring and intentional orientation activities including an annual Yosemite trip. Presenters said many students choose to stay a supplemental year at Foothill to strengthen transfer applications; staff emphasized that colleges view direct college coursework favorably in admissions and that the program gives students flexibility to explore majors before committing.
Access and equity Board members asked how the program reaches underrepresented and first‑generation students. Presenters said recent recruitment work with AVID teachers and targeted outreach has increased diversity, but they acknowledged gaps remain and asked the board for help getting the word out. They said word‑of‑mouth and alumni outreach continue to be the program’s most effective recruitment tools, and they described continued efforts to expand digital outreach and parent information nights.
Ending Board members congratulated students presented at the meeting and requested more data on long‑term outcomes, including transfer patterns and cumulative credits completed, to better quantify the program’s academic and financial impact for students and the district.
