The Campaign for College Opportunity announced Berkeley City College is a 2023 Champion for Excelling in Equitable Course Placement, receiving awards for Campuswide English Enrollment, Latinx & Black English Enrollment and Black Math Success.
The awards recognize Berkeley City College has successfully supported 100% of students to enroll directly into transfer-level English coursework, 100% of Latinx and 100% of Black students to enroll directly into transfer-level English coursework. Of the 56 California Community Colleges recognized, Berkeley City College is the only college recognized for supporting at least 60% of Black students who enrolled in a transfer-level Math course to successfully complete it within 1 year of their initial enrollment.
Additionally, BCC was able to support their Black students to succeed at rates equivalent to or even exceeding those of the student body as a whole.
“Berkeley City College’s mission is to enable equitable student completion, providing pathways for students to transfer to a four-year institution, gain skills in career education, and earning college credit for dual enrolled high school students,” said Berkeley City College President Angélica Garcia. “We are honored to be recognized by The Campaign for College Opportunity. These awards are a testament to the equity work of our esteemed faculty, classified professionals, and administrators who are dedicated to successful outcomes for all in our community.”
Since the passage of AB 705 (Irwin) in 2017, the California Community Colleges has drastically increased access to credit-bearing courses across all racial and ethnic groups, doubling the number of students who complete transfer-level Math and English courses. Prior to AB 705, the vast majority of incoming community college students were being placed into remedial math and English courses that ultimately discouraged and derailed students on their college journeys. Over a decade of research has shown that students’ likelihood of earning a degree decreases when they start college in remedial courses.
“We applaud the record number of community colleges being recognized for their achievement in supporting students to access and succeed in transfer-level coursework – many of which are being recognized in several categories. These colleges are improving the college experience of thousands of students across California,” said Michele Siqueiros, President of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “We urge our state and college leaders to continue removing barriers for students and further close racial/ethnic equity gaps for students by ensuring strong equitable placement practices on their campus.”
