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Pima Community College outlines growth, savings and staffing needs for dual‑enrollment at Rio Rico
Summary
Pima Community College officials told the board dual enrollment grew from 50 to 239 district students in five years, creating substantial tuition savings and prompting work on instructor certification and missing course offerings to expand certificates and associate degrees locally.
Pima Community College representatives told the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District board that local dual‑enrollment participation has expanded rapidly and can save families significant tuition costs while preparing students for college and careers.
James, representing Pima, said dual enrollment is a zero‑tuition program for qualified high‑school students and reported that district participation rose from about 50 students five years ago to 239 this year. He said that translates to over 1,000 college credits earned locally and more than $100,000 in tuition savings if credits are applied at Pima — substantially more if students ultimately use the credits at the University of Arizona, ASU or NAU.
Pima officials outlined current course offerings at Rio Rico High School (culinary, administration of justice, applied technical math, writing and several college math courses), identified missing courses needed to complete several CTE certificates and associates, and described options to fill gaps: certify existing teachers, hire additional instructors, or contract Pima instructors (virtual or in‑person). Pima staff noted accreditation and side‑visit requirements for some courses and the need for professional development to qualify instructors to teach college credit.
Board members praised the program’s benefit to students and asked what steps the district can take to add programs. Pima suggested deeper coordination on curriculum crosswalks, teacher certification support and continued outreach to middle schools so students can begin accruing high‑school and college credits earlier. Pima also highlighted an upcoming scholarship application (Pima Excellence) that gives preference to dual‑enrollment students.
What the board can expect next: Pima will continue coordination with district staff on instructor certification and course availability; the district and college will test options (contract instructors, certify current teachers or hire new staff) to expand pathways toward certificates and associate degrees at Rio Rico.
