Promising Practice
The STARS Program at Rancho Santiago CCD is a comprehensive program designed to assist students transitioning into postsecondary education. The STARS program not only provides practical information to help students to transition, but also provides the guidance and counseling to ensure that they are fully prepared for postsecondary education and training.
Agency Awarded: Rancho Santiago Community College District: Orange Education Center, 2011
Summary Description of Project:
STARS is a program which offers noncredit students the opportunity to learn about how to transition to college credit classes at Santiago Canyon College. The program includes workshops that teach skills needed for transition, and provides students with access to many resources to help them continue to postsecondary education. Students are given academic planning guides, lists of college resources and services, course selection guides, as well as many other materials. Students benefit from the comprehensive support that they receive while attending STARS. Counselors and outreach staff facilitate transitions by offering the guidance that students need to navigate the complex matriculation process.
Evaluation Process/Results:
Data conducted by the Rancho Santiago CCD Research Department shows that students at Santiago Community College that have attended Adult Education courses transfer to four-year universities at a higher rate than those with no background in Adult Education. The STARS project gives students the support and preparation needed to succeed in postsecondary education and beyond. Past STARS students report that they felt prepared for transition and knowledgeable about the process.
For additional information contact:
http://www.sccollege.edu/Departments/oec/Pages/oec.aspx