Val Verde Students Fast Track Justice Careers Through Dual Enrollment Program
Nine Val Verde Unified School District seniors will receive their Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice this spring through a collaborative dual enrollment partnership with Moreno Valley College (MVC), marking a significant milestone in expanding local public safety career pathways.
Since the program’s inception, MVC and Val Verde have coordinated course offerings to enable students to complete all six core administration of justice classes—ADJ 1: Introduction to Administration of Justice, ADJ 3: Criminal Law, ADJ 4: Laws of Evidence, ADJ 5: Community Relations, ADJ 8: Juvenile Procedures, and ADJ 20: Introduction to Corrections—over a two- to three-year period. Each year, Val Verde delivers four courses, while MVC adjunct faculty teach the remaining two as online college classes, creating continuity and mentorship for participating students.
“By embedding our dual enrollment instructor within MVC’s adjunct team, students benefit from familiarity with an instructor who can guide them seamlessly from high school to college,” said Associate Professor Kristy Paine, faculty advisor for the Administration of Justice program. “We host orientations and workshops, connect students to internships and professional development, and help them translate classroom learning into career readiness. Seeing these young scholars cross the stage in June speaks volumes to their dedication and the power of focused guidance.”
Five of this year’s certificate recipients will join MVC graduates at the college commencement ceremony in June. After earning their certificate in high school, graduates are encouraged to apply for positions with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as correctional deputies or dispatchers—roles that hire applicants as young as 18 and offer starting salaries of $50,000 to $60,000 with comprehensive benefits.
“Cultivating robust pathways from high school to law enforcement careers reinforces our commitment to student success and public safety,” said Tom Vitzelio, dean of student success and academic support. “Our collaboration with Val Verde not only accelerates degree completion but also addresses critical workforce needs in the Inland Empire by supplying qualified, motivated young professionals.”
After earning their certificate of achievement, students may continue at MVC to complete their Associate of Science in Administration of Justice. Upon finishing the AS degree, they will be eligible to transfer seamlessly into MVC’s new Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management program, which launches in fall 2026 and is designed to develop future law enforcement supervisors and emergency response leaders.
“This program represents an innovative model for regional talent development,” said Phillip Rawlings, dean of instruction for public safety. “By aligning curriculum with local agency requirements, we’re not only empowering students with immediate career options but also strengthening our county's public safety infrastructure for years to come.”
For more information about MVC’s Administration of Justice dual enrollment offerings, visit the Dual Enrollment program page.