Sunnyside launches Tri-School partnership with UArizona and Pima to boost postsecondary pathways
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Summary
District leaders described a new Tri-School Project with the University of Arizona, Pima Community College and local partners to increase postsecondary enrollment and completion; private funders pledged $154,500 to pilot five priorities.
Sunnyside Unified School District leaders and community partners described a new Tri-School Project that pairs the district with the University of Arizona and Pima Community College to expand postsecondary options and improve transitions for graduates.
The project, driven by district leaders and the two postsecondary institutions, aims to increase the share of Sunnyside graduates who immediately enroll in college or a certificate program and to strengthen supports so students who begin postsecondary programs persist to completion. Presenters said about 46% of Sunnyside graduates currently enroll in postsecondary programs and the district has set a 60% target aligned with state goals.
Presenters outlined five initial priorities: (1) a shared knowledge base and scope-and-sequence linking K'12 curriculum to postsecondary options; (2) expanded dual-enrollment access and clearer signals that students are earning college credit; (3) strengthening supports for students in the academic 'middle' (for example AVID); (4) enhanced family engagement and tiered College Academy offerings; and (5) transition supports to reduce summer 'melt' and increase early persistence.
District staff told the board the University of Arizona is funding a 0.8 FTE (32-hour) position dedicated to Sunnyside and Pima Community College committed leadership time and staff presence. The district said the Tri-School planning committee inventoried existing programs, reviewed gaps and set goals tailored to Sunnyside students. Officials also said dual-enrollment participation now exceeds 1,000 students.
Sunnyside Foundation and other private donors pledged $154,500 to pilot the package of initiatives; presenters said the funding will support early implementation activities including campus visits for middle- and high-school students, family engagement programming, and bridge/transition supports with Pima.
The board received the briefing; no formal action was required at this meeting. District leaders said they will return with implementation timelines and data measures as work proceeds.
The presenters named included a Tri-School Project representative and district leadership; presenters emphasized the partnership's aim to make college and career pathways visible and actionable for students and families before graduation.