Project H.O.P.E is a federal funded program created for a students who wish to enter the medical field.

It aims also to increase the number of minority and latino students entering the medical field.

The health fair last Sunday was the first to ever happen here at Cerritos College and was also the first to be fully sponsored by Project H.O.P.E.

The health fair included hearing and vision exams, and glucose and cholesterol checks along with many other types of medical exams. The Red Cross was also available for anyone who wished to donate blood.

Luis Martinez, Biochemistry major volunteer at the fair stated, “You can imagine the impact this is going to have on our community.”

The check ups were entirely free and did not require any medical insurance.

Mirella Flores, Project H.O.P.E staff member stated, “It is a great program for students. We give the guidance and structure to guide you through that path.”

Martinez concurred, “I have the help from these great people who are willing to help and support me. Project H.O.P.E students were always pushing me to do better. “

Project H.O.P.E provides counseling, tutoring and scholarships for their students. They also help students with transfer information and take field trips to visit different campuses.

Furthermore, Flores stated “Our goal for students who get out of the program is for them to come save the community.”

Students who are in Project H.O.P.E also receive recognition for their achievements during the end of the year banquet.

In addition, Project H.O.P.E has summer programs at UCLA for students. They also work with high school students who wish to enter the medical field.

Students do not have to be directly involved with Project H.O.P.E in order to volunteer at the health fairs. “It is not about Project H.O.P.E, it is about helping the community,” added Martinez.