How Do OFY Students Access College While in High School?

College can feel far away when you are focused on getting through high school. But at Options for Youth (OFY), students do not have to wait until after graduation to start their college journey. They can begin while they are still earning their diploma.

OFY is a network of free public charter high schools in Southern California that has been serving students for over 35 years. Through dual enrollment partnerships, college readiness programs, campus tours, scholarship opportunities, and dedicated post-secondary counseling, OFY gives students the tools and support they need to make college a real and reachable goal.

Here is how it works.

Dual Enrollment: Earn College Credits and a High School Diploma at the Same Time

OFY's Early College Program (ECP) is a dual enrollment opportunity that allows high school students to simultaneously earn credits that count towards a high school diploma and college degree for free.

OFY has partnered with several community colleges to make this possible, including:

• San Bernardino Valley College
• Victor Valley College
• Moreno Valley College
• L.A. Mission College
• College of the Canyons

One of the most important things about dual enrollmentis that it is open to all students regardless of past academic success. You do not need a perfect GPA or a spotless transcript to participate. OFY believes that every student deserves the chance to get a head start on college, and dual enrollment reflects that belief.

What Students Should Know About Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment courses provide both high school and college credit at the same time. That means every class you complete counts toward your diploma and your college transcript. A few things to keep in mind:

• You are creating a permanent college transcript, so grades matter
• Grades are reported at the end of the semester with no progress reports
• Attendance is required, and excessive absences can result in being dropped by the instructor
• Students are expected to follow all college rules, regulations, and deadlines
• You will need to check your college student email regularly, as that is how the college communicates

These expectations may feel new, but they are also excellent preparation for full-time college life after graduation.

CREW: A Free College Readiness and Scholarship Program

For students who want structured guidance on the path to college, OFY offers CREW (College Readiness Experience the World). CREW is a program designed to prepare and guide students to achieve their dream of attending college.

The program is open to juniors and seniors and includes a structured curriculum that covers topics like:

• Navigating California's community college and university systems
• Understanding how to select a major and build a college list (target, dream, and safety schools)
• Mastering the college application and essay writing process
• Learning about EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) and other support services
• Financial literacy
• Understanding the FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans
• Email etiquette and time management skills for college success

CREW participants also attend college readiness classes, team-building workshops, field trips, and community service events. Students compete to earn college scholarships through the program, making CREW not just a preparation tool but a pathway to funding.

By the time CREW students finish the program, they have a clear plan for what comes next, along with the skills and confidence to follow through.

A-G Approved Courses for UC and CSU Admission

For students considering a four-year university in California, completing A-G course requirements is essential. The A-G requirements are high school courses required for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.

OFY offers a full suite of A-G approved courses. These include:

• English: English 9 through 12, AP English Literature and Composition, American Literature, Contemporary Composition, CSU Expository Reading and Writing
• Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, AP Calculus, Probability and Statistics
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and additional lab sciences
• Social Science: U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics
• World Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, and College Prep Electives

Students work with their teachers and on-site Student Counselors to build an A-G planning guide that maps out their course path from enrollment through graduation. The goal is to make sure students who want to attend a UC or CSU have every opportunity to meet the requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

OFY also offers Advanced Placement courses for students who want to challenge themselves with college-level material while still in high school. Available AP courses include:

• AP English Literature and Composition
• AP Calculus
• AP Computer Science

AP courses give students the chance to demonstrate readiness for college-level academic work. Strong AP scores can also earn students college credit, which means fewer classes to take and pay for once they enroll in a university.

College Tours That Open Doors

OFY partners with Pathways Travels to offer organized college tours to any OFY high school student. These tours are free and include:

• Campus visits to colleges and universities
• Discussions with current college freshmen about their experience
• Workshops covering topics like how to choose a school, what to look for in a major, and how campus life works
• Guidance on critical application processes, including obtaining references and applying for financial aid

For many OFY students, these tours are their first time stepping foot on a college campus. That experience alone can be transformational. Seeing where students study, live, and build their futures makes the idea of attending college feel real and achievable.

OFY Online Program students also have access to college and university tours of popular campuses in New York City, giving virtual learners the same opportunities to explore higher education in person.

On-Site Student Advisors and Post-Secondary Counselors

College planning at OFY is not something students are expected to figure out on their own. Every campus has on-site Student Advisors who provide:

• College and career information tailored to each student's interests
• Guidance on course selection and A-G planning
• College application assistance
• Scholarship search and application support
• Coordination of college readiness programs like CREW and campus tours

In addition, post-secondary counselors meet with students every semester to review progress toward graduation and help plan for life after high school. Whether a student wants to attend a four-year university, a community college, a trade school, or enter the workforce, these counselors help them build a realistic plan and take the right steps to get there.

Senior Signing Day: Celebrating What Comes Next

For graduating seniors who have been accepted to college, OFY hosts Senior Signing Day events where students formally sign their college acceptance letters. These celebrations bring together students, families, teachers, and community members to honor the achievement.

Many of the students at OFY's Senior Signing Days are the first in their families to attend college. These ceremonies give them a moment to celebrate their hard work and express gratitude to the people who supported them along the way.

Career Technical Education for Students Exploring All Paths

Not every student's next step after high school is a traditional four-year university, and OFY respects that. For students interested in entering the workforce or pursuing a specific career, OFY offers Career Technical Education (CTE) courses in high-demand fields, including:

• CTE classes
• Information Technology
• Construction
• Cosmetology
• Nursing
• Vet Tech

CTE courses give students hands-on, career-focused training that prepares them for real jobs. Combined with OFY's WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) partnerships, students gain access to career exposure, networking events, skills training, certificate programs, and internship opportunities.

How OFY's Flexible Model Supports College Access

One of the reasons OFY students are able to take advantage of college access programs is the school's flexible structure. OFY's blended learning model allows students to:

• Focus on one or two core subjects at a time instead of juggling a full course load
• Complete independent study work on their own schedule
• Attend small group instruction classes for subjects where they need more support
• Meet with their core teacher at least twice a week for coaching and review
• Take online courses for additional flexibility

This structure gives students the time and breathing room to participate in dual enrollment, CREW, college tours, and other programs without feeling overwhelmed. It also builds the kind of self-discipline and time management skills that are essential for success in college.

Who Is This Right For?

OFY's college access programs may be a great fit for students who:

• Want to earn college credit while still in high school
• Are interested in attending a UC, CSU, or community college after graduation
• Need help understanding the college application and financial aid process
• Are looking for scholarship opportunities
• Want to visit college campuses and learn what university life is like
• Are the first in their family to consider attending college
• Prefer a flexible school that allows them to balance academics with college preparation
• Are exploring career paths and want hands-on CTE training

Whether you are already set on college or just starting to consider it as an option, OFY has the people and programs to help you get there.

Start Your College Journey With OFY

You do not have to wait until senior year to start thinking about college. At OFY, college preparation begins the moment you enroll, and the support continues all the way through graduation and beyond.

Here is how to get started:

• Visit your nearest OFY campus and talk to an Enrollment Specialist
• Ask about the dual enrollment, CREW, and A-G course planning
• Learn about free college tours and scholarship opportunities
• Begin building a graduation plan that includes your post-secondary goals

Find Your Nearest OFY Campus.

Your future does not start after high school. At OFY, it starts now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can OFY students earn college credit while still in high school?

Yes. OFY students can take dual enrollment courses at partner community colleges and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, all for free.

Which colleges does OFY partner with for dual enrollment?

OFY has partnered with several community colleges including San Bernardino Valley College, Victor Valley College, Moreno Valley College, L.A. Mission College, and College of the Canyons. Additional partnerships may be available depending on your campus location.

What is CREW?

CREW (College Readiness Experience the World) is a free program for OFY juniors and seniors that includes college readiness classes, workshops, campus tours, community service, and the opportunity to compete for college scholarships.

Does OFY offer A-G courses for UC and CSU admission?

Yes. OFY offers a full suite of A-G approved courses across all required subject areas, including English, Math, Science, Social Science, World Languages, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Are college tours free for OFY students?

Yes. OFY partners with Pathways Travels to offer free, organized college tours that include campus visits, discussions with current college students, and workshops on the application process and financial aid.

Does OFY help students apply for financial aid and scholarships?

Yes. On-site Student Advisors and post-secondary counselors assist students with college applications, scholarship searches, FAFSA completion, and financial aid planning.

Is OFY free? Yes. OFY is a network of free public charter high schools. There is no cost for enrollment, courses, tutoring, college tours, or any of the college readiness programs described above.