The summit focused on expanding dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthening pathways to help high school students successfully transition to higher education. The event highlighted the collective impact of partnerships between MSJC and K–12 institutions in increasing college access, reducing costs, and empowering students to envision and pursue their futures.

“Our focus is on removing friction for students and the educators who support them,” said Jenny Hughes, Director of Enrollment Services & K–12 Partnerships at MSJC, and lead of the annual summit planning committee. “From simplifying dual enrollment processes to aligning timelines, expectations, and communication across systems, our goal is to make college access more intuitive, more coordinated, and easier to navigate, so students can take advantage of opportunities earlier and with greater confidence.”

The event opened with remarks from Rebecca Teague, MSJC Vice President of Student Services, who reflected on the evolution of community college access and the essential role K–12 educators play in shaping student success.

“Because of your work, our students have pathways that didn’t exist before,” Teague said.

“You are helping reduce college costs, expand access, and show students that there is a way forward. You are the ones holding up the sign that says: Adventure Awaits.”

In his written message, MSJC Superintendent/President, Dr. Roger Schultz, reinforced the importance of alignment between educational systems: “For high school students, graduation is not an ending; it is a trailhead. When we align our efforts, we create a seamless bridge that transforms uncertainty into confidence and aspiration into achievement.”

The summit also welcomed MSJC Board Trustee Jhalister Corona, a high school teacher who brings a unique dual perspective to the work.

“As both a high school teacher and trustee, I see firsthand how powerful these partnerships are,” said Corona. “When we align what happens in the classroom with the opportunities available at MSJC, we are not just preparing students for college, we are expanding what they believe is possible for their lives.”

The keynote address was delivered by Leslie Valmonte, President of Bridge5D Consulting, whose presentation, “A Whole New World… of Work: The AI Adventure Edition,” challenged attendees to rethink artificial intelligence not as a disruption, but as an opportunity. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in education, Valmonte provided practical strategies for equipping students with the skills needed to navigate an evolving workforce shaped by AI.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions covering topics such as early college credit implementation, supporting high school seniors in postsecondary planning, transfer pathways from MSJC to four-year institutions, allied health programs, financial aid navigation, and career education opportunities. The summit also provided valuable time for networking and collaboration in a setting designed to foster meaningful dialogue and partnership.

The annual K–12 Summit reflects MSJC’s ongoing commitment to student-centered pathways and regional collaboration, ensuring that more students can access, navigate, and succeed in higher education.

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