The Campaign for College Opportunity has recognized MiraCosta College along with several other California community colleges at the second annual “Excellence in Placement” award ceremony.

MiraCosta College was honored in the “Equity Designation: Black Transfer-Level English Success – California Community Colleges” for supporting at least 70 percent of Black students to complete transfer-level English within one year of initially enrolling in an English class.

Community college campuses were honored for implementing landmark placement policy AB 705, championed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed into law in 2017. Prior to AB 705, the vast majority of incoming community college students were placed into remedial math and English courses that ultimately discouraged and derailed students on their college journeys. Over a decade of research has shown that students’ likelihood of earning a degree decreases when they start college in remedial courses.

“As we celebrate the record number of California community colleges that are placing students in transfer-level courses, we must remember that equity and success for all students, particularly Black and Latinx students, must be at the forefront of our efforts. These colleges are leading the way in providing equitable access to higher education and ensuring that we break down barriers to student success,” said Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity.

“By providing students with the support and resources they need, we are making it clear that their college dreams are a priority, and we are helping to build a stronger, more prosperous California. Afterall, California succeeds when students complete college and earn a degree, certificate, or transfer to a university as a result of a stronger and smoother pathway.”

Equitable placement practices have proven to be highly consequential for increasing access to transfer-level coursework, maximizing student success, and closing racial/ethnic equity gaps. By starting in transfer-level English, completion rates have tripled for Black students and more than doubled for Latinx students. In math, completion rates have quadrupled for Black students and Latinx students. Many colleges are also being recognized with equity designations for supporting Black and Latinx students to access and succeed in transfer-level math and English.