A new piece of legislation introduced this week could help make the transition from high school to college much smoother for students in our area — especially those who may face extra barriers along the way.
Assemblymember José Luis Solache of Lakewood has introduced AB 1636, known as the Cerritos College Seamless Enrollment Act, which would create a pilot program designed to help high school seniors enroll in college with fewer administrative hurdles.
If passed, the bill would allow the Cerritos Community College District to create a “ready-to-enroll” record for graduating seniors who live within its service area, using existing K–12 student data. The goal is simple: reduce the paperwork and confusion that can often stand between graduation day and the first day of college.
“Too many students intend to go to college but get lost in the gap between graduation and enrollment,” Solache said in a statement. “It’s about access, equity and meeting students where they are.”
Under the proposed program, eligible students would be notified directly and provided with information about academic options, financial aid, and available support services. The effort is aimed particularly at helping first-generation and low-income students, who may not always have the guidance or resources to navigate the enrollment process alone.
Cerritos College, located in Norwalk, serves one of the largest student populations in Los Angeles County. The college reports that 55% of its students are the first in their families to attend college, and in 2025 it was recognized nationally as one of the top Hispanic-serving two-year institutions by Washington Monthly.
“Through this Seamless Access Pilot, we will use data already shared through our K–12 partners to turn opportunity into direct access,” said José Fierro, president/superintendent of the district. “This is about making college a natural next step, not a complicated hurdle.”
The bill is expected to be heard in the State Assembly next month. If approved through committee and chamber review, it would then move forward to the State Senate for consideration.
For many local families, AB 1636 represents a hopeful step toward making higher education more reachable — and ensuring that more students can take that next step with confidence.
