(WHS) graduating seniors are at an all time high. For a school that has long struggled just to get most of its students to show up for classes,the 75 percent increase since last year is being heralded by students,teachers and administrators alike as an outstanding success and a hopeful sign for continued progress. The collaboration between WHS and the UC Santa Cruz Educational Partnership Center (EPC) is key to the increased college going rates.

According to the WHS senior exit survey, about 70 percent of this year's graduating class plans to continue on to higher education upon graduation. With 20 percent of the class admitted to four-year colleges(110 students) and about 50 percent of the class signed up at community colleges, come next fall, these students will make those plans a reality.

According to Larry Lane principal of Watsonville High, "We are seeing what happens when high schools, colleges and the community all dance together to help our students get admitted to college."

There are many hopeful signs that the school is doing a better job at graduating students and preparing them for success in college. More students are participating in college preparatory classes and more students are participating in college awareness programs through UCSC's

EPC. Of the students admitted to four-year colleges, 62 percent participated in college preparation programs through the EPC. The school now offers both first and second semester Advanced Placement (AP)calculus along with seven other AP offerings. Students can earn college credit for taking and passing AP tests for certain courses, giving students an edge in the admissions process. Advanced math courses such as calculus have long been considered college "gatekeepers" so their addition to the curriculum is a definite sign that WHS students are becoming better prepared for college earlier.

Vivian Moutafian, math teacher at Watsonville High School, says "The EPC's efforts have been key in the increases we've seen in the college-going rates in Watsonville by signing students up for tests,helping them find transportation to the exam sites, helping students fill out their applications, and even providing fee waivers." Moutafian is hopeful for continued success: "When students go to college, they become role models for their siblings and friends. Soon, the culture begins to change and more students start seeing themselves differently—as college material."

The school is also graduating more students than ever—this year, 494 students graduated compared with about 400 students in the past.

Absenteeism at Watsonville High has dramatically declined in recent years as a result of the institution of an automated phone system that calls parents to report their child's absence during the morning of every school day.

The success at Watsonville High School is part of a larger district-wide partnership effort with UCSC to get more of its students to college. The increase at WHS has helped the Pajaro Valley Unified School District meet its college preparation goals two years early.

Established in 1998, UC Santa Cruz's EPC works with K-12 schools such as WHS, community colleges, businesses, and community-based organizations with the goal of increasing the college-going rates of students from the Monterey Bay region. In 2001, the EPC provided direct services, including mentoring, academic counseling, tutoring, leadership training,test preparation, academic enrichment, and math training, to more than 15,000 students. Results have been positive, with applications to UC campuses from students in the region jumping 12.5 percent in 2001, the largest increase statewide, according to UC's Office of the President.