Fort Valley State University (FVSU) and Fresno Unified School District (FUSD), the third-largest school district in California, have entered a groundbreaking alliance, creating unprecedented opportunities for an accelerated bridge to college success. Seventy academically promising students from Sunnyside and McLane High Schools in Fresno, California, will have access to college-level coursework through FVSU, a first-of-its-kind program in Georgia.

Launching this fall and continuing through June 30, 2027, the program will enable selected juniors and seniors to earn up to 13 transferable college credits and 43 credits toward high school graduation. Fully funded by FUSD to ensure no cost to the students and a pathway to post-secondary education, a nine-day college campus tour with a visit to FVSU is also included. Courses will be delivered in a synchronous, virtual format and include foundational general education subjects. The program also included an in-person summer college experience course to acclimate students to FVSU and ensure academic success.

“Our partnership with Fresno Unified School District reinforces the school district's mission and Fort Valley State University’s commitment to excellence in education,” said FVSU President Paul A. Jones, Ph.D. “We are proud to bring the HBCU experience to the West Coast and expand pathways to higher education for students who may not have previously considered this option.”
The partnership is designed to increase high school graduation rates, improve college readiness and reduce the overall cost and time required to complete a college degree. In addition to academic instruction, FVSU will provide students with technical support, tutoring services, a dedicated student success specialist and exposure to college-level expectations through online platforms and virtual engagement.

“Dual enrollment is a powerful tool for expanding access to higher education, and we are proud to be leading the way in Georgia with a program that fosters early college success and shares our Wildcat pride,” said Timothy L. Hatchett, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “Students will not only gain access to rigorous college-level courses but also benefit from comprehensive wraparound services to ensure they thrive in the virtual learning environment.”
Both institutions look forward to expanding the program to include additional cohorts and academic disciplines in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), supporting student growth in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.

“This new partnership will expand college dual enrollment opportunities for Fresno Unified students, as well as introduce them to the educational, historical and cultural benefits that HBCUs offer.  I also look forward to a collaboration that provides college cost savings for our students, as well as invaluable support and connections,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her.