Our Mission

We provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration to middle and early colleges high schools, allowing educators to develop and maintain successful college and career programs.

Our Vision

We strive to broaden the future opportunities of more students by expanding access to college classes through robust Early Colleges, Middle Colleges, and Dual Enrollment Programs.

The Educational Models

MCNC schools bridge the high school and college experience for underserved youth.

Middle College

Middle College High Schools (MCHS) are secondary schools located on college campuses and authorized to grant diplomas in their own name. MCHSs typically have 100 or fewer students per grade level, and provide a rigorous academic curriculum within a supportive environment to a student population that has been historically underserved and underrepresented in colleges. While at a Middle College High School, students have the opportunity to take some college classes at no cost to themselves or their families.

Early College

Early College High Schools share the main characteristics of Middle College High Schools: strong academic program, supportive environment, located on a college campus—and are designed to serve the same target population at no cost to the students. However, Early College High Schools also have a defined and structured program that enables the high school students to earn both their high school diploma and their associate degree in four to five years at no cost to the student.

Dual Enrollment

In Dual Enrollment Programs, high school students are able to take college courses, usually at nearby postsecondary institutions. Successful completion of college-level courses enables students to obtain credit toward both their high school diploma and toward a college degree. An Enhanced Dual Enrollment Program provides additional academic, social, and emotional support to students and professional development opportunities for all staff so they can facilitate the transition from high school to college.

Our History

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Melissa Madigan

Melissa Madigan has almost 20 years of experience in California public schools as well as experience serving on two non-profit boards. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for dual enrollment as a promising and attainable educational pathway for all students.

Currently, she is the Executive Director of DualWorks (formerly CCEMC), and is focused on helping this organization attain its goals, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programming and outcomes.

As a former teacher and principal of Ghidotti ECHS in Nevada County, Melissa not only led Ghidotti to state and national recognition as a National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School and was nominated as a TH Bell Excellence in School Leadership nominee but also created a climate of excellence, inclusivity, and community presence. Melissa says she has seen first-hand the enormous impact dual enrollment opportunities have on students, their families, and their community. It is a life-changing process.