At Lemoore College, opportunity begins in the communities it serves, not just on campus. Across Kings and Fresno counties, the college has spent the past several years expanding its "Featherprint," creating educational opportunities in schools, community centers, tribal communities, and juvenile justice facilities.
Rather than waiting for students to come to campus, Lemoore College is bringing college closer to them.
For President James Preston, the effort reflects the college's commitment to serving every community within its district.
鈥淲e believe opportunity should not be limited by a student's zip code, transportation challenges, or life circumstances," Preston said.
"Expanding our Featherprint means bringing education to students wherever they are and creating pathways that help them succeed."
Today, Lemoore College partners with high schools throughout Kings and Fresno counties, including Hanford, Hanford West, Sierra Pacific, Corcoran, Riverdale, Stratford, Caruthers, Laton, and Lemoore High School.
Students are earning college credit while still in high school through dual enrollment, giving many a head start on certificates and degrees before graduation.
For Dr. Kris Costa, Vice President of Educational Services, those partnerships are about creating access early.
"What we know from the research is that students who participate in dual enrollment are much more likely to continue their education and ultimately complete a bachelor's degree," Costa said.
Because many rural schools are too small to support traditional dual enrollment models, Lemoore College has developed creative solutions. Online pathways, shared instruction, and partnerships with multiple school districts allow students in communities like Caruthers and Laton to earn college credit even when local resources are limited.
鈥淯ltimately, it's all access. It's making education accessible, making it finishable, and making sure students have the support they need to succeed."
In Riverdale, Lemoore College partnered with local employers and community organizations to launch English as a Second Language classes, providing educational opportunities for residents and employees who wanted to improve their English language skills. The program grew from conversations with local employers seeking ways to invest in their workforce and community.
The Featherprint also reaches students whose educational journeys have been interrupted.
At the J.C. Montgomery Juvenile Justice Center, students can begin earning college credit while receiving wraparound support through Rising Scholars 2.0. Through a combination of online and in-person instruction, the college is helping justice-involved youth begin planning for life beyond the facility.
"We're giving students a value-added experience during their time there," Costa said. "We're helping them see a future and giving them something to work toward."
On campus, partnerships with Middle College High School and University Charter School allow younger students to experience college life while earning credits that count toward both high school and college graduation. Many local middle and high school students are now beginning college coursework years earlier than previous generations.
Costa said every initiative shares one common purpose. "Ultimately, it's all access," she said. "It's making education accessible, making it finishable, and making sure students have the support they need to succeed."
Whether students are taking their first dual enrollment class, learning English in Riverdale, beginning college coursework at J.C. Montgomery, or preparing for life after high school, every partnership represents another step in expanding Lemoore College's Featherprint.
It is a commitment to ensuring that education reaches beyond campus, into the communities where students live, work, and dream about their future.
