College Connection is a voluntary educational program that has been serving students with an immersive dual-enrollment program since 1990. The program allows high school seniors to complete their senior courses with a PUSD high school teacher while enrolled in three Butte College courses (9-11 college units) each semester.  Students learn how to plan college schedules, adjust to new academic routines and expectations, utilize college learning technology and how to manage their “free” time.  Connection students can earn 18-27 college units tuition free, explore a wide variety of classes, and discover what college has to offer.  At the end of their senior year, College Connection students graduate with their peers, while accelerating along the college learning curve. 

 

College Connection students are still enrolled at their high school, maintaining eligibility to participate in high school athletics, clubs, and events.  Senior year coursework is delivered through independent study and traditional class time. College Connection students receive priority enrollment status at Butte College, providing students access to a wide array of courses taught throughout the day.

 

• All Juniors enrolled in any high school program offered by PUSD
• Students with 2.0 GPA and above
• Students wanting to take classes not offered at the high school
• Students who want to learn about college through immersion 
• Students with a variety of career and academic goals
• Students wanting more independence and responsibility
• Students who want to directly prepare for life after high school
• Students who want to earn college credit tuition free

The application opens on December 8th and closes on January 17th. Qualifying applicants will be invited to interview end of Jan through early Feb. Students admitted to the program will work closely with the College Connection advisor starting in the spring of 2023, to develop college schedules that meet their individual: goals, needs, and interests.

Ms. Krinsky will be available to help students with applications during lunch in Mr. Carroll's room #121 on 1/10, 1/12, 1/16, 1/17, 1/25, and 1/26. 

 

Students meet mornings 8-9 M-Th at Butte College and remotely on Fri with their Paradise High School Teacher. Class time is aligned with main concepts and activities contained within their independent study packets. Speakers and guest lecturers join us in the classroom to help students navigate their college transitions. Topics include: academic counseling/resources, college applications/admissions, and assistance with filing for financial aid.

 

The majority of their high school work is delievered via independent study, and outside of class time students are expected to complete 15 hours of course work a week. 

 

College Connection students take a total of 7 classes a semester—4 high school courses and 3 college courses. Working closely with the program coordinator allows for students to build a schedule that meets both educational and personal goals. Schedules offer a considerable amount of flexibility, and some College Connection students work part-time jobs including jobs on the Butte College campus.

 

Ambrosia Krinsky is the College Connection Advisor/Teacher. She graduated from Paradise High School in 2006, and has a B.S. in Environmental Science, Management and Policy, and a B.A. in Media Studies from UC Berkeley. She has been teaching Science and English at PHS since 2016. 

 

She is intimately familiar with all three tiers of California’s Higher Education System, and is experienced in assisting students in reaching their educational goals. Ms. Krinsky uses trauma-informed and community-centered models of teaching to develop both rigorous and engaging content.