SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember José Luis Solache (AD-62) introduced Assembly Bill 1636, the Cerritos College Seamless Enrollment Act - legislation that would authorize a pilot program with Cerritos College to reduce barriers between high school graduation and community college access.
The bill allows Cerritos Community College District to automatically create a "ready-to-enroll" student record for graduating high school seniors within its service area, using existing K-12 data. The pilot does not enroll students in classes and does not require students to attend Cerritos College. Instead, it removes unnecessary administrative hurdles that often prevent students – especially first-generation and low-income students – from taking the first step toward higher education.
"AB 1636 removes friction from the system while preserving student choice," said Solache, whose background in public education has focused on expanding opportunity for first-generation students. "Too many students intend to go to college but get lost in the gap between graduation and enrollment. It's about access, equity, and meeting students where they are."
Cerritos College has demonstrated strong outcomes through its Cerritos Complete Promise Program, including increased participation, higher completion of enrollment steps, and improved persistence rates. The Seamless Enrollment Act builds on this success by ensuring every graduating senior has an active college record – making it easier to explore options, apply for financial aid, and connect with support services.
"At Cerritos College, our responsibility is to remove barriers and make the path to college clear, simple, and within reach for every student we serve," said Dr. Jose Fierro, President/Superintendent of the Cerritos Community College District. "Through this Seamless Access Pilot, we will use data already shared through our K-12 partners to turn opportunity into direct access. This is about making college a natural next step, not a complicated hurdle."
For more information, contact Chris Mateo at Chris.Mateo@asm.ca.gov.
For more information, follow Assemblymember Solache at the following social media channels:
Instagram: @asmsolache
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsmSolache/
For additional information, please contact:
Assemblymember Solache Communications Director, Chris.Mateo@asm.ca.gov
Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr. was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 representing the cities and communities of Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate, Huntington Park, Bellflower and Walnut Park. For a full biography of Assemblymember Solache, click here.
