Our Programs

Five pathways. One trusted local hub. Real careers.

Whether you're a high schooler earning college credit early, a working adult returning to learn, or an employee chasing a promotion — Amador College Connect has a guided, supported program for where you are right now.

Jump to a program

High School Dual Enrollment BHSA Scholarship K16 Career Pathways Jackson Rancheria Scholarship Adult Education

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Amador College Connect students and staff

Dual enrollment is the unique opportunity for high schoolers to take real community college classes and earn college credit while still in high school. ACC walks students through every step so they save time and money on future college courses. Research shows that early college exposure increases the likelihood of college completion — making dual enrollment one of the strongest ways to help high schoolers transition to higher education. It also expands equitable access for both mainstream and underrepresented students, because California community colleges offer FREE tuition for all high school students (college-related fees still apply).

Who Qualifies

At least 14 years old
Can start as early as the summer before 9th grade
In good academic standing with their high school
Above a 2.0 GPA
Counselor approval and signed paperwork complete

Benefits & Advantages

Free tuition from California community colleges
Earn HS + college credit at the same time
Early exposure to college-level coursework
Higher likelihood of college completion
A built-in support team at ACC

Required Each Semester

Meet with your HS counselor first — every semester
Signed ACUSD Alternative Credit Application
Parent signature on the application
Schedule a dual enrollment appointment with ACC
Enrollment dates may change each semester

Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Dual Enrollment Flow Chart

See exactly how the dual enrollment process works from start to finish.

View Flow Chart

Where to Begin

Meet with your high school counselor to find out which courses you're approved to take.

Confirm you have a GPA above 2.0 — that's the minimum to participate in dual enrollment courses.

Complete the Alternative Credit Application and have a parent sign it.

Schedule an initial appointment with our office and we'll guide you through the rest.

BHSA Behavioral Health Scholarship Program

The MHSA / BHSA (Behavioral Health Services Act) Scholarship Fund is administered by the Amador Community College Foundation under contract with the Amador County Behavioral Health Department.

These funds serve Amador County residents pursuing a Human Services (HS) certificate through Coastline Community College — facilitated by Amador College Connect. Upon completion of the HS certificate, students may be permitted to use scholarship funds toward an AA in Human Services or a related field (criminal justice, child development, gerontology, social services, and more).

The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books in an amount not to exceed $2,000 per student per year. Students are required to attend cohort meetings, submit transcripts, and complete participation surveys.

Eligibility Criteria

Reside in Amador County
Demonstrate financial need and qualify under "Very Low Income" per HUD guidelines
Have a desire to work in public mental health
Enroll in the Human Services Certificate through Coastline Community College
Priority given to those with personal, first-hand experience with mental illness — as a client or family member of a client

What's Covered & Required

Up to $2,000 per student per year
Funds may be used for tuition, fees, and books
After certificate completion: funds may apply toward an AA in Human Services or a related field
Attend regular cohort meetings
Submit transcripts and complete participation surveys

Helpful Resources

Everything you need to research the program and check your eligibility.

Course Catalog

Coastline College — Human Services Certificate

See exactly which courses are required to earn your Human Services Certificate.

Income Limits · 2026 PDF

CA HUD Income Limits (Current)

Check if you qualify under the "Very Low Income" guideline required for this scholarship.

Updated Annually

HUD USER — Income Limits Portal

Find the latest income limit data each year, including upcoming 2026 guidelines.

Grant status pending confirmation. These programs are funded through the K16 Grant. Availability for the upcoming year has not yet been confirmed — check back soon or contact ACC for the latest updates.

Pathway Computer Science

Pathway Early Childhood Ed.

$500 completion reward included

Amador College Connect, in partnership with Columbia College and regional industry partners, offers two fully funded career pathway programs — in Computer Science and Early Childhood Education — at no cost to qualifying students.

The K16 Grant covers classes, tuition, and books so that financial barriers never stand between residents and a career-connected education. Students who complete their pathway also receive a $500 completion reward in recognition of their achievement.

These programs are designed for residents of Amador, Calaveras, and Alpine counties who are ready to step into in-demand fields with real employer partnerships behind them. ACC guides students through every step — from first inquiry through enrollment and completion.

What's Covered

Classes, tuition, and books — all covered by the K16 Grant
Available in Computer Science and Early Childhood Education
Delivered through Columbia College and industry partners
$500 completion reward upon finishing the pathway
Fully free of charge for qualifying residents

Who Qualifies

Reside in Amador, Calaveras, or Alpine County
Interest in a career in Computer Science or Early Childhood Education
Enroll through Amador College Connect and Columbia College
Commit to completing the full pathway to be eligible for the $500 reward
Contact ACC to confirm grant availability for the current year

Helpful Resources

Learn more about the pathways and what to expect.

Course Catalog

Columbia College — Computer Science Program

Explore the courses and certificates available in the Computer Science pathway.

Course Catalog

Columbia College — Early Childhood Education Program

See the certificates and degree pathways available in Early Childhood Education.

Jackson Rancheria Employee Scholarship Program flyer

The Jackson Rancheria Scholarship Fund is administered by the Amador Community College Foundation under contract with the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort.

These funds serve employees of Jackson Rancheria pursuing classes, certificates, or degree programs through Amador College Connect's accredited community college partners — to advance their careers within the resort or in an approved career path.

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, and books in an amount not to exceed $1,500 per year per student, with a $5,000 lifetime maximum.

$1,500

Per Year, Per Student

$5,000

Lifetime Maximum

How To Qualify

Eligibility Criteria

Be a current employee of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort for a minimum of 90 days.
Seek education in an area of study specific to your current position, department, or approved career path.
Receive final approval of the scholarship grant from the Jackson Rancheria Human Resources Department.
Meet with an Amador College Connect representative to discuss educational goals, course offerings, and your planned area of study.
Enroll in your area of study through one of ACC's accredited community college partners and register for classes.

Adult learners are individuals returning to learning after time away from school, changing careers, or building new skills to stay competitive in today's workforce. They have access to flexible, career-focused opportunities that meet people where they are — whether you want to earn a certificate, gain technical skills, or pursue or finish a college degree.

What Makes It Different

Built for real adult lives

Unlike traditional pathways, adult learning is built around the realities of working, raising a family, and balancing life.

Flexible Scheduling

Evening, online, and hybrid classes that fit around work and family.

Short-Term Training

Workforce-aligned programs that get you job-ready quickly.

Hands-On Learning

Practical, applied learning tied to real jobs in real industries.

Built-In Support

Systems that address life and work barriers — not just academics.

Why Adult Learners Choose ACC

A locally rooted, personalized approach

Amador College Connect helps adult learners navigate the often complex path back into education and training.

Guided Pathways to College & Careers

Adult learners receive one-on-one support to explore options, register for classes, and map out clear steps — whether that's a certificate, degree, or career transition.

Access to Community College

Through partnerships with regional colleges, you can:

Enroll in career technical education (CTE) programs
Complete general education or degree requirements
Build credits toward transfer or workforce entry

Industry-Recognized Certifications

Programs aligned with in-demand fields — healthcare, education, technology, and skilled trades — so adults can quickly gain credentials employers value.

Flexible Learning for Working Adults

Programs structured around jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments — making it realistic to balance life while advancing education.

Wraparound Support Services

You're not expected to figure it out alone. Support includes:

Financial aid and scholarship guidance
Academic advising and tutoring
Connections to childcare, transportation, and local resources
Ongoing coaching to stay on track and complete goals

What You Can Achieve

Through Amador College Connect, adult learners can:

Finish a high school diploma or equivalent

Earn industry certifications for immediate employment

Complete college coursework toward a degree

Upskill or reskill for a career change

Build confidence and long-term economic mobility

Featured Pathway

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)

40+ Available Majors

60 Transferable Units

2 yrs To a Bachelor's

An Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from a California community college provides a clear, affordable pathway to earning a bachelor's degree. Students complete general education and major-specific coursework, then transfer with a guaranteed admission opportunity to participating four-year universities — including the California State University system and other partner institutions.

With more than 40 majors and thousands of transfer pathways, the ADT program keeps you on track academically while exploring career goals. After completing at least 60 transferable units, students typically enter a university as juniors — often just two years away from a bachelor's degree, without repeating coursework.

The program also offers flexible transfer options: public and private universities, HBCUs, fully online or out-of-state institutions, and Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) for select University of California campuses.

Learn More at iCanGoToCollege.com

Adult learning through Amador College Connect isn't just about going back to school — it's about creating clear, supported pathways to better jobs, higher wages, and long-term career growth. We remove barriers, simplify the process, and ensure that adult learners in our region have real, attainable opportunities to succeed.

Amador College Connect is a completely free local resource center that quickly and easily connects people to online college classes and other programs/coursework by providing help at every step of the process, from filling out financial aid forms to signing up for classes, tutoring, and more.