A faculty and staff development program is earning national recognition for turning data into meaningful improvements for students.

Ģ����Ƶ’s (CCC) Comet Data Academy has been named a finalist for the 2027 Bellwether Award, a national award recognizing innovative programs and practices at community colleges.

Announced October 29 by the Bellwether College Consortium, the Comet Data Academy is one of 10 finalists nationwide in the Planning, Governance and Finance category, which recognizes innovative approaches to college planning, management and the effective use of resources.

Launched in 2025, the Comet Data Academy is a professional development program that equips CCC faculty and staff with the skills to analyze institutional data, identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions that support student success.

“Our goal is not just to teach people how to use data,” said project lead and Dean of STEM Chao Liu. “We are building the capacity for our college community to use data collaboratively, tell meaningful stories, and make better decisions for our students.”

The academy grew out of CCC’s partnership with Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization focused on advancing community college student success. An institutional assessment conducted through the partnership highlighted data empowerment as an area for growth. With institutional research resources stretched thin, CCC developed the Comet Data Academy to make data more accessible and useful across the college.

Turning Data Into Action

The academy brings together employees from different departments and disciplines for semester-long professional development cohorts. Participants complete independent coursework and attend six collaborative, in-person sessions built around the PACE model: plan, analyze, construct and execute.

The program’s first cohort launched in 2025 with 22 participants, including faculty, classified professionals and managers. By bringing together employees with different perspectives and areas of expertise, the academy encourages collaboration and makes data-informed decision-making a shared responsibility.

Each cohort culminates in a capstone project in which participants investigate a college challenge, analyze relevant data and recommend improvements.

Those projects are already producing measurable results for CCC students.

One participant examined missed Student Services appointments and found that shortening the advance scheduling window from 30 days to 10 days helped improve attendance. From one semester to the next, missed appointments decreased by 38.9%, from 758 to 463.

Another participant analyzed the college’s Chromebook lending program to better understand equipment replacement needs. The findings prompted CCC to allocate funding and establish a replacement schedule, helping ensure students have continued access to technology.

In a third project, an English faculty member analyzed differences in student success rates across multiple sections of the same course. By sharing anonymized findings with colleagues, the project opened conversations about teaching practices and opportunities to improve student outcomes.

Together, these projects demonstrate how the Comet Data Academy is helping CCC move beyond collecting data to using it to make practical improvements in classrooms and student services.

The academy’s second cohort is now underway, with participants working in larger teams on projects aligned with CCC’s five-year strategic educational plan.

College leaders are also exploring opportunities to expand the program through online professional development and share its model with other community colleges. Other colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District have already expressed interest in adopting the approach.

As CCC President Dr. Kimberly R. Rogers Achieving the Dream, “We want people to know that this is replicable, it’s scalable.”

About the Bellwether Awards

The Bellwether Awards recognize community college programs that address challenges in higher education through innovative, effective and evidence-supported approaches. Finalists are selected for their demonstrated results and potential to serve as models for other institutions.

The awards are presented by the Bellwether College Consortium, an independent think tank and national network of award-winning community colleges, sponsored by the Alamo Colleges District in Texas.

CCC’s selection in the Planning, Governance and Finance category recognizes the Comet Data Academy’s approach to strengthening institutional effectiveness, encouraging collaboration and using available resources to improve student outcomes.

What’s Next?

Representatives from CCC will present the Comet Data Academy at the 2027 Community College Futures Assembly, Feb. 21-23, in San Antonio, Texas, as part of the final round of competition.

The annual assembly brings together community college leaders from across the country to share innovative programs, exchange promising practices and explore solutions to challenges facing higher education.

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I want to reaffirm CCC’s commitment to supporting all students. At CCC, we believe that it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that each of you who walks through our doors feels safe, valued, and supported. While we have not experienced any immigration enforcement activity at CCC, we want to ensure students are informed and prepared if this type of activity were to occur in the future.

Please follow this simple guidance if you observe immigration enforcement activity at our college.

• Remain calm and professional.
• Call at 510.215.4858.

In the event of immigration enforcement activity, the college will notify students and employees with clear details about what has taken place. These updates will include the date, time, and campus location where immigration enforcement officials were present, along with information about available support services for students and employees (see draft templates below).

These notification processes are guided by two new, important laws: 

•  – requires public colleges to provide timely notification when immigration enforcement occurs on campus.
•  – requires institutions to maintain clear response protocols, resource referrals, and communication safeguards to support and protect immigrant students and employees.

By following these laws, we ensure that our community is informed promptly, consistently, and transparently.

The Contra Costa Community College District passed Resolution 1S (1/25/2017) in support of our students and to reaffirm procedures that protect student information and access. In addition, I want to highlight legislation by the State of California, namely Assembly Bill (AB) 21 and Senate Bill (SB) 54, that prohibit state and local agencies from using resources to further certain federal immigration enforcement efforts.  

For more information, please visit /student-support/basic-needs/campus-resource-guide/#undoc.

You each help make CCC a stronger and more resilient community that honors the dignity and potential of every student. 

Stay well.

Kimberly

—

Estimados estudiantes y empleados del Colegio de Contra Costa,  

 Quiero reafirmar el compromiso de CCC de apoyar a todos los estudiantes. En CCC, creemos que es nuestra responsabilidad colectiva garantizar que cada uno de ustedes que cruza nuestras puertas se sienta seguro, valorado y apoyado.  Aunque no hemos tenido ninguna actividad de vigilancia migratoria en CCC, queremos asegurarnos de que los estudiantes estén informados y preparados en caso de que este tipo de actividad llegue a ocurrir en el futuro.

Por favor siga esta sencilla guía si observa actividad de control migratorio en nuestro colegio.

·                Mantenga la calma y actúe de manera profesional.

·                Llame a los Servicios de Policía de CCC al 510.215.4858.

En caso de que ocurra alguna actividad de aplicación de leyes de inmigración, la universidad notificará a los estudiantes y empleados con detalles claros sobre lo sucedido. Estas actualizaciones incluirán la fecha, la hora y el lugar del campus donde estuvieron presente officiales federales de inmigración, junto con información sobre los servicios de apoyo disponibles para estudiantes y empleados (véanse los modelos preliminares a continuación).

Estos procesos de notificación están guiados por dos leyes nuevas e importantes:

• – exige que los colegios públicos proporcionen notificaciones oportunas cuando se produzcan actividades de aplicación de leyes de inmigración en el campus.
• ��– exige que las instituciones mantengan protocolos claros de respuesta, referencias a recursos y medidas de comunicación para apoyar y proteger a los estudiantes y empleados inmigrantes.

Al cumplir con estas leyes, garantizamos que nuestra comunidad esté informada de manera oportuna, coherente y transparente.

El Distrito de Colegios Comunitarios de Contra Costa aprobó la Resolución 1S (25/01/2017) en apoyo a nuestros estudiantes y para reafirmar los procedimientos que protegen la información y el acceso de los estudiantes. Además, quiero destacar la legislación del Estado de California, concretamente la Ley de la Asamblea (AB) 21 y la Ley del Senado (SB) 54, que prohíben a las agencias estatales y locales utilizar recursos para promover ciertos esfuerzos federales de aplicación de la ley de inmigración.   
 
Para más información, por favor visite .

Cada uno de ustedes ayuda a hacer de CCC una comunidad más fuerte y resiliente que honra la dignidad y el potencial de cada estudiante. 

Mantente bien,
Kimberly

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Ģ����Ƶ (CCC) has been recognized with the California Association of Black School Educators’ (CABSE) 2026 Black EdCellence Award “in recognition of groundbreaking leadership in advancing education equity for Black students.”

CABSE is dedicated to advancing educational equity and excellence, particularly for Black students. Its annual Black EdCellence Awards celebrate educators and educational leaders making meaningful contributions to student success in their schools, colleges and communities.

CCC Dean of Students Dr. George Mills and Senior Program Coordinator Christina Craig-Chardon accepted the award on behalf of the college.

CCC has a longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering belonging for all students.

The recognition follows another significant milestone for CCC: its designation in December 2025 as one of California’s first Black-Serving Institutions (BSIs).

The college’s annual Get on the Plane tour, led by counselor Andrea Phillips, introduces students to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), allowing them to visit campuses, explore transfer opportunities and experience institutions with a rich legacy of Black academic excellence. CCC also participates in the HBCU Transfer Guarantee program, providing eligible students with pathways to 37 HBCUs nationwide.

Through its African American Male Leadership (AAML) program, co-led by Mills and Joel Nickelson-Shanks, CCC connects students with mentors, professionals and community leaders through leadership symposiums, networking events and educational workshops. And, the college’s Black Experience learning community has brought students together in transfer-level math and English courses taught by Black faculty using culturally relevant curriculum.

Additional opportunities, including the African American Studies pathway, create spaces for students to explore Black history and culture, develop leadership skills and build meaningful connections across campus.

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Dr. Padilla was honored for her longstanding commitment to educational equity, student success and community service. A lifelong Contra Costa County resident and graduate of Richmond High School, she began her higher education journey at Ģ����Ƶ before earning a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from UC Davis and a doctorate in neuroscience from UC Berkeley.

After working as a neuroscientist at the San Francisco Brain Institute, SRI International and Sands Research Inc., Dr. Padilla returned to CCC to lead its Hispanic-Serving Institution STEM grant initiatives, expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Today, as dean of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Padilla leads collegewide efforts to strengthen student support, advance educational equity and improve student outcomes. Throughout her career at CCC, she has helped guide student equity plans, strategic planning and institutional improvement initiatives that support the college’s diverse student community.

Her dedication extends beyond the college. Dr. Padilla has served in leadership roles with the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and the Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges, contributing to educational opportunities and community development throughout the region.

“As a lifelong resident of Contra Costa County, Mayra has committed herself to leadership, service, equity, and educational opportunity in our community,” Congressman Garamendi said in his October 5, 2026, Congressional Record tribute. “Her dedication to the community does not go unnoticed. Her efforts have strengthened those around her and helped create a more connected, supportive, and thriving community.”

For more information about the 2026 Women of the Year awards, visit .

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Raised in the Richmond/Pinole area after moving from Los Angeles, Ashonda initially had no plans to attend a community college. Her goal was to play basketball at a Division I university immediately after high school. Ashonda received four-year college offers, but not the offer she had hoped for. However, CCC Coach Paul DeBolt promised to help her earn a Division I transfer opportunity, if she chose to play for CCC for two years. So, Ashonda accepted his offer.

At CCC, Coach Paul emphasized academics as much as athletics, ensuring student-athletes stayed on track academically and took transferable courses. Ashonda earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts while completing her general education requirements, making her transition to a four-year university seamless.

Ashonda credits several CCC coaches, professors, and staff members for creating a supportive environment that challenged and encouraged her. Reflecting on her time at CCC, she says her greatest accomplishment was personal growth. “Sometimes in life,” she said, “you end up doing the thing you don’t want to do, and it turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to you.”

After helping lead the CCC women’s basketball team to the State Championship game in her second year, Ashonda fulfilled her dream of receiving a transfer scholarship to San Diego State University, where she played Division I basketball and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Inspired by her father’s 30-year Army career, Ashonda joined the Air Force one year after graduating from SDSU. What began as career exploration soon became a calling. Over more than two decades of military service, she has built an exceptional career in air traffic control, a field that demands precision, calm decision-making, technical expertise, and strong leadership.

Today, Ashonda serves as Chief Air Traffic Controller at Tyndall Air Force Base and has achieved the elite rank of Chief Master Sergeant, one of the highest enlisted ranks in the U.S. Air Force. Throughout her career, she has supervised personnel, mentored young Airmen, managed complex airfield operations, and ensured the safe movement of military aircraft in support of missions around the world. Her rise to senior leadership reflects the same determination, discipline, and work ethic she developed as a student-athlete at CCC.

A proud Comet who scored 36 points in a 2001 state championship game, helping to make her a two-time CCC Athletic Hall of Fame member, Ashonda credits her village of coaching staff and a few professors for helping her develop the confidence and leadership skills that continue to guide her today.

Ashonda believes the lessons she learned at CCC, including perseverance, accountability, teamwork, and resilience, prepared her for success both in the military and in life. She encourages students to take a closer look at CCC, praising its welcoming culture and the genuine care shown by its faculty, coaches, and staff.

 “If a student wants to learn, grow, and genuinely pursue an education,” Chief Williams shared, “they should come to Ģ����Ƶ where once a Comet, always a Comet.”

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Spring 2026 Dean’s List

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The Ģ����Ƶ Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 CCC Foundation Scholarships! Please join us in giving a huge congratulations to our newest class of Comet Scholars (listed in alphabetical order by last name):

Lola Abdugapparov
MCHS Graduating Senior

Maram Abdulla
Dean Lesher Scholarship

Shereena Abdullah
ASU Black Student Leadership Scholarship

Damian Acosta
Genirberg Family Scholarship

Jairo Agreda
Lee Brelie Scholarship

Byron Aguilera
Schaefer Scholarship

Abtehal Alazzani
Carl Vincent Ansberry, Jr. Scholarship
ASU Transfer Achievement Scholarship

Ekmal Ali
Bernard Osher

Maggie Alinsod
Culinary Department Scholarship
Arizmendi Culinary Scholarship

Sarah Alkrizy
K Huang Scholarship

Maria Alvarez Caycho
Political Science Department Scholarship
Leonard McNeil Memorial Social Activism Scholarship

Lateefah Anderson
Own Your Future

Sandra Arevalo Ramos
The Haist Family Tool Scholarship

Claudia Arguera
Lee Brelie Scholarship

Zubi Asinugo
Sy & Beverly Zell Scholarship

Lynette Auro
Paul M. Radosevich MD Scholarship for Nursing Students
Doctors Medical Center – First Year Outstanding Service Scholarship
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Jannez Babista
Robert T. Fredericks Scholarship

Aya Badyine
APECS Department Scholarship

Jayla Baltrip
Bernard Osher

Cristina Barajas
Tsang Family Scholarship
EOPS Ollie Baylis-Payne Transfer Scholarship

Adriana Barroso Cerda
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Stephanie Becerra
La Raza Program Scholarship
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Julie Boarman
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Harman Boparai
Genirberg Family Scholarship

Sarah Brouk
Genirberg Family Scholarship

Allysia Carrillo
Doctors Medical Center – Second Year Clinical Performance Scholarship

Laura Castaneda Rodriguez
#cccwheresmycheck Scholarship

Ulysses Catig
EOPS Ollie Baylis-Payne Transfer Scholarship

Maggie Chao
Culinary Department Scholarship
Arizmendi Culinary Scholarship

Anamile Chavez
Bisa French Scholarship

Aizhan Chotbaeva
Michael J. Catalano Nursing Scholarship
Doctors Medical Center – First Year Clinical Performance Scholarship

Adelita Cid
Dr. Intisar Shareef Scholarship

Aaron Cole
Sy & Beverly Zell Scholarship
Genirberg Family Scholarship

Vi Condori
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Alexandra Covey
ASU Transfer Achievement Scholarship

Latasha Crockett
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Cynthia Cruz
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Adam Daoud
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Victoria Dominguez
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Subia Dorantes
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Alma Erami
John P. Christenson Scholarship

Illyria Faria
Gill Family Charitable Trust Scholarship

Charles Fernandez
Own Your Future – Nursing
Irma L. Anderson Servant Leadership Scholarship

Xitlali Fierro
Narayan R. Sanwal Scholarship

Ana Figueroa-Aguilar
The Dr. Saul Jones, Student Nurse “Superstar” Scholarship
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Marcanee Flenory
Sy & Beverly Zell Scholarship

Samantha Florero
San Pablo Forward Scholarship
EOPS Ollie Baylis-Payne Transfer Scholarship

Samantha Flores
Puente Transfer Scholarship

Brian Flores Jirasin
Fred Tarp Memorial Scholarship

Makaya Ford
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Gabriel Franco
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students
Christian Fritz & Marlene Keller STEM Scholarship

Diana Garcia
Schaefer Scholarship

Roni Gastelum
African American Studies Department Scholarship
African American Staff Association Scholarship

Sina Gi
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Tatyana Gollman
Bisa French Scholarship

Gabriela Gonzalez
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Jasmine Gonzalez
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Montserrat Gonzalez
The Sidharta Family Scholarship
Gill Family Charitable Trust Scholarship
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Matthew Guerrero
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Rasha Haddadi
Schaefer Scholarship

Safiyah Hakim
Bernard Osher

Gretel Hidalgo Gonzalez
Schaefer Scholarship

Duha Hmidan
A-Mark Student Journalism Award

Artesia Hollman
George Mills Scholarship

Xiaoling Hu
Gill Family Charitable Trust Scholarship

Nawaf Hugais
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Justin Ibarra
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Aaron Jardeleza
Culinary Department Scholarship

Hillary Johnson Urbina
ASU Leadership Scholarship

Zermina Khan
Janis McNair Memorial Scholarship

Rachel Kuemper
Granzella Re-Entry Parent Scholarship

Renchen Lama Theeng
Schaefer Scholarship

Nicolle Landerer-Valdivia
Gill Family Charitable Trust Scholarship
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Juno Limon
Pride Scholarship

Melissa Logan
Puente Transfer Scholarship
Brainard-Tarp-Lyke Biology Scholarship

Gilberto Lopez
Frank Molica Memorial Automotive Collison Repair Scholarship
ASU Achievement Scholarship

Abdulrehman Mahmood
Brandon Schnurr Memorial Scholarship

Francisco Malbas
Bernard Osher

Jasmine Marglin
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Maricela Jasmine Martinez
Health and Human Services Department Scholarship

Zhondon McDaniel
Longwood Scholarship
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Jada McDougall
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Ayesha Mohammed
Doctors Medical Center – First Year Clinical Performance Scholarship

Mykyta Motin
Kellogg Opportunity Scholarship

Ilsia Nieto
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Tran Nguyen
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students
Brandon Schnurr Memorial Scholarship

Jessica Orozco
Kinesiology Scholarship

Karen Ortiz
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Alan Padilla
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Stevanya Panton
African American Staff Association Scholarship

Keyor Pelaez
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Danielle Perez
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Kayla Phan
MCHS Graduating Senior

Naydelin Pineda Cabrera
ASU Achievement Scholarship

Marcella Prado
Castro and van Dyk Scholarship

Crystal Ramirez
Helen Benjamin Scholarship

Vanessa Renteria Ortiz
ASU Leadership Scholarship

Gonzalo Reyes
Lilyan J. Cole Scholarship Fund

Sharlene Reyes
Victoria S. Jeung, MA, MS, BSN, RN
Russell Stillwell Nursing Scholarship
Paul M. Radosevich MD Scholarship for Nursing Students
Gail Case Memorial Scholarship
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Gladys Rico Rico
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Malinda Ripley
San Pablo Forward Scholarship
Bert Coffey Scholarship

Lia Saechao
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Jacob Saeteurn
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Giovani Salazar
Puente Scholarship
Chemistry Department Scholarship

Veronica Sandoval
Sy & Beverly Zell Scholarship

Anya Shcheglova
Kellogg Opportunity Scholarship

Alicia Solis
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students
Bernard Osher

Saida Soltero
Gill Family Charitable Trust Scholarship
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Maurice Sorzano
The Haist Family Tool Scholarship

Tre Starnes
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Kisha Sweet
Packard-Zell Memorial Scholarship

Josue Torres Diaz
Phillip Wong and Lisa Lemus

Jonathan Turcios
Dean Lesher Scholarship
Ansel Boynton Memorial Scholarship

Analucia Urias-Lopez
The Sidharta Family Scholarship
Puente Scholarship
Christian Fritz & Marlene Keller STEM Scholarship
APECS Department Scholarship

Angel Valencia
Biological Science Department Scholarship

Jordan Vargas Cortez
William A. Owens Athletic Scholarship

Paula Velazquez Velazquez
Lee Brelie Scholarship
D.G. Meremeyer Memorial Scholarship

Nicole Vidal
Dr. Paul and Carolyn Gan Family Scholarship

Karen Vilchis Martinez
San Pablo Forward Scholarship

Ryan Villarreal
Retired Nursing Instructor Kathleen H. Allan Memorial Scholarship
Paul M. Radosevich MD Scholarship for Nursing Students
Irma L. Anderson Servant Leadership Scholarship

Nicole Ward
Sy & Beverly Zell Scholarship

Karla Weller
ASU Veterans Scholarship

Ashley Whiting
Edmund L. Regalia Scholarship for Continuing Students

Silvia Zambrano
Lee Brelie Scholarship
Early Childhood Education Department Scholarship
Dr. Intisar Shareef Scholarship

Joven Zeng
Lee Brelie Scholarship

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Ģ����Ƶ has relocated the Compass Market to a larger space in the new Compass Center, creating a more accessible walk-in, self-shop experience for students, staff, and faculty.

Ģ����Ƶ has relocated the Compass Market to a larger space in the new Compass Center, creating a more accessible walk-in, self-shop experience for students, staff, and faculty.

Now located on the first floor of the Student Administration Building, next to the Student Life Office, the Compass Market offers a more open, organized setting for visitors to browse groceries, snacks, hygiene items, and parenting supplies.

For students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, access to these essentials can provide stability, reassurance, and day-to-day support. While the services themselves remain the same, the new location makes the experience easier to navigate with comfort and dignity.

Set for a soft launch this summer, the new Compass Center space will also create a more visible place for community partners to connect students with additional resources. The addition of a new lactation pod will also free up the current space for nursing parents, allowing it to be converted into a more private area for external partners serving students.

The Compass Market’s continued presence is also made possible by the student workers and hourly staff whose care and consistency have been instrumental in keeping the Compass Center open and operating for the campus community.

Together, these updates reflect how CCC and its community can work together to strengthen the support students rely on throughout their educational journey.

To make a gift in support of the Compass Center, visit the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation’s donation page, select “O�ٳ���” under “I want my donation to go to:” and note Compass Center in the designation field.

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Nearly 200 Ģ����Ƶ students woke up to a surprise this morning: A text informing them that the CCC Foundation has paid off their outstanding fees and tuition.

This initiative applies to all Ģ����Ƶ Spring 2026 graduates who qualify for California residency under California’s tuition structure. That includes refugees and other immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition under California law.

International and out-of-state students, who are enrolled under a different tuition model, were not able to be included in this effort. Neither are high school students, who already qualify for free tuition and fee waivers.

Full-time students can also qualify for free tuition at the college. Many students, however, have work and family obligations that prevent them from attending full time.

The move will allow impacted students to receive their diplomas and certificates, access other college services, and request the transcripts they need to transfer to a four-year university or get certain jobs. 

More importantly, it is one less bill to pay in a challenging economic environment. On average, each student carried about $173 in remaining debt. While that amount may seem small, for many students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, this relief represents something much bigger: a clean slate.

“The foundation has had a good year, philanthropically,” said Ģ����Ƶ Foundation Executive Director Sara Marcellino. “And the cost of living is exceptionally high right now, particularly in the Bay Area. Our donors and board wanted our graduates to leave knowing their community is behind them, investing in their success, and celebrating everything they’ve accomplished.

The largest debt owed was $980; the smallest was just $2.

“We know that life is expensive,” said Ģ����Ƶ President Dr. Kimberly R. Rogers. “Our students work, they have families, yet at the same time they still come to school. Sometimes, you find yourself in debt, and the last thing we want is for our students to graduate and still owe money to the college. As someone who had a lot of student loans, if I’d had this opportunity, it would have made such a difference in my life. And to work at this institution, to work with people who truly believe in education and in supporting students is just an amazing thing to be a part of. I’m grateful to be here, and I know our graduates won’t ever forget this moment in their lives.”

Rogers points to a similar effort undertaken five years ago by Marcellino and previous CCC President Dr. Damon A. Bell for laying the groundwork for this project.

Ģ����Ƶ serves a diverse student population, and is officially designated a Black Serving Institution, an Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. It also boasts one of the most diverse faculties in the nation, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

It has long prioritized affordability and access, with 99% of students graduating without ever taking out a student loan.

The college is also increasingly known for academic excellence. CCC was recently named an Achieving the Dream campus, as well as NASA’s only Northern California Aerospace Scholars campus. It is home to the most-awarded two-year college media outlet in US history, and this year instructor Mark Wong was named one of five national finalists for Faculty Member of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees.

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In celebration of its 100th anniversary last year, the ACP calculated the for its top honors, the Pacemaker awards. This year, they extended it with an additional award, for Digital Newsletter. They also brought home two awards, for General Excellence and Enterprise Story, from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.

The ACP Awards recognize the finest in American college newspapers, magazines, broadcasts, websites and yearbooks. Media outlets were awarded five points for each finalist placement and ten points for each win. Over the organization’s 100-year history, there have been 1,450 finalists in competition.

“The Pacemaker really represents the best of the best,” ACP associate director Gary Lundgren said in a release. “And it is appropriate that we recognize the rich tradition this award has in collegiate  journalism as part of our centennial celebration.” 

At its National College Media Convention last October, they most-awarded student media outlets. Coming in at number seven, Ģ����Ƶ was the only two-year media outlet among nine four-year universities. No other two-year outlet made the top ten, and specific rankings below that were not revealed.

“Few people on campus now know how hard student-journalists worked for more than 60 years to document events on our campus,” said retired journalism Paul DeBolt, who advised the paper for 40 years before his recent retirement.

“It’s important for students to have a voice on their campus and report the truth. This incredible recognition speaks to the strength of our college -community connection, the dedication to excellence that exists throughout our student body, and the talent, teamwork, resolve and love for CCC that has existed in the hearts of The Advocats since the early ’60s.”

Check out our Journalism department if you’re interested in becoming part of The Advocate’s award-winning staff.

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