Sonoma State University
Rancho cotate high school graduation

Rancho Cotate High School Early College Application

The Rancho Cotate High School and Sonoma State University Early College Application program is designed to help students succeed in college and transition to college, especially those from underserved backgrounds. The goal is to create a barrier-free path to a 4-year degree at Sonoma State University for Rancho Cotate High School students for whom access has historically been a challenge.

The program is anchored in the Rancho Cotate High School and Sonoma State University Early College AVID elective course teaches the academic, social, and college navigation skills to be successful at a 4-year college. Students who complete the program will earn one semester of college credit (12 units) while in high school and guaranteed admission to SSU.

RCHS logo
Avid logo
Trio logo

Program Details

Starting with next year’s 9th-grade class, Rancho Cotate High School (RCHS) and Sonoma State University (SSU) will provide an Early College program for Cotati Rohnert Park Unified School District students. Early College students will take Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)’s 4-year sequence of college success coursework in high school and receive mentorship from current SSU students through TRiO, a federal program designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Application Process & Timeline

This application for 2025- 2026 was due February 28, 2025 for the 9th-grade cohort. All students, regardless of background, were encouraged to apply.
Students were notified by Spring Break, 2025.
A waitlist was created, and students will be invited to join as space becomes available.

GradeYear Program will BeginRCHS-SSU Early College Programming
Includes SSU-Trio mentoring and financial literacy workshops each year
9th2025 - 2026
  • SSU Early College AVID 9 on the RCHS campus
  • Regular field trips to SSU
10th2026 - 2027
  •  SSU Early College AVID 10 on the RCHS campus
  • Regular field trips to SSU
11th2027 - 2028
  • SSU Early College AVID 11 on the RCHS campus
  • Enroll in two (2) SSU classes on the RCHS campus
  • Access to SSU tutoring/student center/facilities
  • Sponsored SSU course materials and related fees
12th2028 - 2029
  • SSU Early College AVID 12 on the RCHS campus
  • Enroll in two (2) SSU classes on the SSU campus
  • Access to SSU tutoring/student center/facilitie
  • Sponsored SSU course materials and related fees
  • Apply to Sonoma State University