Rancho Buena Vista High School students can now earn college credits through California State University San Marcos while enrolled in high school, allowing an early start to a bachelor’s degree.
As part of a program called Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track Health Programs, or SWIFT, the dual-enrollment courses completed count toward two undergraduate degrees in health and wellness, designed for students to obtain a degree in a minimum of three years.
One degree is in public health and the other in human development with a concentration in counseling.
CSUSM president Ellen Neufeldt and campus leaders from the Vista Unified School District organized a celebration ceremony on Sept. 6 for 22 Rancho Buena Vista students.
“I am thrilled to welcome these students to the cougar (CSUSM mascot) family, said Neufeldt. “With social mobility a part of everything we do, this program is our mission in action. We want students to know they have a path to college and into a career that can transform their lives, their families and their communities.”
In addition to a degree, students will graduate with the requirements to obtain a professional certification. Public health students will complete the Community Health Education Specialist certificate requirements to work as community health educators. Human development students will be able to become wellness coaches, qualifying them to provide mental health and wellness support in California.
“I hope that these students have the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive to go into a career that not only pays them a living wage, but that they are able to live comfortably here in San Diego and that they have a job,” said Cipriano Vargas, a Vista Unified Board of Education member and CSUSM alumni. “The county of San Diego needs mental behavior health workers, and this program is helping to accomplish that.”
Students will be able to receive funding in the summer to complete internships, preparing them for health and wellness careers. They will also be able to work with a cohort of other students through their courses. CSUSM will offer career advising, employer networking and guest speakers to help push students along their careers.
The San Diego region needs 18,500 more behavioral health professionals to meet the industry demands, according to a San Diego Workforce Partnership report. The new dual enrollment program will allow students to dive into their careers and San Diego to fill needed positions.
