“I love Cerritos College, it is my favorite out of all the community colleges and I love sending students here,” shared Walter Tubbs, representative for the LA County Probation Departments Independent Living Program at the LINC luncheon in the student center.
On Sept. 29, representatives from each of the various offices that make up the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services gave brief presentations on what service they provide and the importance of seeking their assistance in order to achieve student success and a transfer rate higher than the current two percent amongst current EOPS students.
“Take the time to check out all the services availablem,” said Rose Vasquez, program assistant in the Career Services Center which is made up of the Assessment Center, Student Employment, the Re-Entry Services Program and the CalWORKS Program.
The event, which was attended by approximately 50 people and made up of both students and staff, contained not only information on how to access the many programs but also first-hand accounts from individuals who have benefited from things like Independent Living Program and the Disabled Student Programs and Services.
Steven Johnson, vice president of student services, spoke on the importance of using the services available to us and also mentioned that despite the current budget issues the administration is prepared to make sure that the school can provide these programs.
Carmen Huertas, who works for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, helping juveniles with a troubled history redirect themselves, said, “We get kids who are tired of high school. If you bring them, here they’ll get their GED.”
The tone was hopeful and excited as everyone shared their personal enthusiasm and motivation for helping students in their pursuit of higher education and vocational training especially to those who are disadvantaged like foster children who many of the EOPS programs serve.
The meeting concluded at 2 p.m. and was ended with a brief networking session between everyone who participated.
