CVHEC will be among the features of the Complete College America Annual Convenings Gallery Walk — a large physical exhibit that visually showcases the creative ways Alliance members have strategized to support student success — Dec. 2 in San Diego. 

CCA is a national non-profit organization founded in 2009 that works with states, systems and institutions to significantly increase college completion rates and close attainment gaps for underrepresented students.   CVHEC has been an alliance member since 2018. ?. 

To demonstrate its student-support strategies, CVHEC submitted its Master’s Upskilling Program that was funded with California K-16 funding through the local Fresno Madera K-17 Collaborative from 2022-2025 (?). The program provides funding and mentoring for high school math and English teachers to earn a master’s degree that qualifies them to teach community college dual enrollment courses at their high school campus. High school students can take dual enrollment courses to get a head start on their college education while still in high school. Some have actually earned a community college degree prior to their high school diploma. The students also save money as the college courses are part of their free high school curriculum. 

In its display, CVHC will feature upskilling graduate Ginny Sandhu, an English teacher at Sunnyside High School, who upon completing her master’s degree requirements through the program now teaches dual enrollment courses at Sunnyside. CVHEC comms lead Tom Uribes visited her classroom to shoot photos for the display. 

Brandon Protas, Ed. D., CCA Vice President for Alliance Engagement and Research, said the display helps make the convening a celebration of the work happening across the Alliance and provides organizations like CVHEC to showcase the work happening across the Alliance.

CVHEC Executive Director Benjamin Duran said the consortium is honored to be selected for this honor.

“We are especially proud to present one of our success stories, Ginny Sandhu, a perfect example of a dedicated high school teacher who jumped at the opportunity to earn her master’s – at no cost to her thanks to our K-16 Collaborative-funded program – then go right back to her students and apply her improved skills for their academic benefit,” Duran said.