The first group of Beckman High School students, who enrolled in the Tustin Unified School District’s Early College Program four years ago, will graduate with an associate’s degree from Irvine Valley College on Friday, May 20. Approximately 26 seniors from Beckman High will participate in the IVC commencement ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m. at the college’s Performing Arts Center Lawn.

“These self-motivated and hard-working students will receive both their high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Irvine Valley College, in addition to being transfer ready for the university of their choice,” said TUSD Superintendent Richard Bray.

In 2007, this group of eighth-grade students enrolled in the Early College Program. The pilot program was the result of a partnership between TUSD and IVC. By enrolling in and completing University of California and California State University approved community college courses offered at Beckman High, Early College students earned transferrable general education college credit. Students also had the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree if they completed the Early College Program.

After enduring summer courses, extended school days and countless hours of study, Beckman’s Early College seniors will take part in the commencement ceremony at IVC, earning an associate’s degree in behavioral science. Students in the Early College Program have been accepted with two years of college credit to four-year universities, including UCLA, UC Berkeley and others.

Beckman’s inaugural graduating class of Early College include Stephanie Armstrong, Laura Broscow, Yalda Chalabi, Shulin Chang, Carlos Cortes, Natalie Do, Jolene Guiliana, Lindsey Han, Hanna Jalawan, Curtis Jew, Ashley Joseph, Nikki Khorram, Sinead Lozoya, Duyen Nguyen, Susan Nikdel, Erin Noguchi, Emily Pae, Brandon Park, Joshua Roxas, Jose Ruiz, Karen Shin, Borna Shirvani, Matthew Shong, Natalie Tran, Elijah Wells and Kayla Wong.

“We are proud of our Early College students and wish to thank Irvine Valley College for its years of support in this academically enriching and mutually beneficial program,” Bray said.

The Early College Program has also been offered at Tustin High School since 2008.