College of Alameda's Career Discovery Day Bridges Gap Between High School and College Success

On April 19, 2024, College of Alameda (CoA) welcomed over 350 high school students from the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to its campus for another transformative Career Discovery Day. This event, organized by CoA's Career Education Division, showcased the college's robust Career Technical Education (CTE) programs alongside special programs, including Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Next Up, and SALAAM.

Under the direction of CTE Dean Dr. Eva Jennings, Emiliano Sanchez, Coordinator of CTE Trades and Apprenticeships at OUSD, played a pivotal role in rallying students and coordinating logistical details for the event. Special recognition goes to Career Education Coordinator Donna A. Jones, who orchestrated Career Discovery Day for CoA, alongside Staff Assistant Vincent Catacutan, Senior Storekeeper Selwyn Montgomery, Brandon Lai, and Associated Student Government President Natay Myers. The event's success was further bolstered by the dedication of CoA's faculty, supervisors, student services, custodial staff, and classified professionals.

The collaborative effort of CoA's EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next Up, and SALAAM Programs teams, led by EOPS Staff Assistant Brian Donato, EOPS Clerical Assistant Jeremiah Poti, and dedicated student workers, ensured a seamless experience for visiting high school students. These programs provided vital support for foster youth, first-generation students, student parents, and Equity Programs, with a particular focus on including Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) students from West and East Oakland.

On a sunny day filled with music, breakfast, and lunch, OUSD students participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt. This interactive activity not only familiarized them with CoA's departments and buildings but also led them to program information booths, staffed by CoA students. At the EOPS front desk and the welcome center, personalized assistance was offered to students as they explored CoA's majors and programs, bridging the gap between high school and college aspirations.

EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next UP, and SALAAM Programs Shine at 5th Annual Oakland Creative Expo

On April 20, 2024, the College of Alameda and its dedicated programs—EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next UP, and SALAAM—participated in the vibrant atmosphere of the 5th Annual Oakland Creative Expo held at Old Oakland.

Amidst the bustling crowds, CoA’s dynamic team engaged with event-goers, showcasing the college's programs and encouraging enrollment, especially through concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities. Their interactions with adult learners, many of whom expressed concerns about returning to college after years away, underscored the importance of community outreach and support.

This event, which welcomed local middle and high school art programs, including the renowned Oakland School of Arts and various visual arts departments within the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), including McClymonds High School Art Programs, provided an enriching platform for community engagement and artistic expression.

Among the team representing CoA were Fathia Mohamed, Academic Counselor for EOPS, Next UP, and SALAAM, Jeremiah Poti, EOPS Clerical Assistant, and Louie Martirez, Project Manager for EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next UP, and SALAAM Programs. Their presence at the Expo contributed to the event's success, attracting approximately 1,000 community members from diverse districts of Oakland, including Chinatown, West Oakland, and Old Oakland.

Participating in community events, like the Oakland Creative Expo, provides valuable opportunities for COA to welcome, engage, and empower learners from all walks of life on their educational journeys.

The Market at COA Returns Serving the College Community with Fresh Produce and Grocery Staples

After a month-long hiatus, The Market at CoA returned on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, providing essential support to our college community. On that day alone, ninety-nine student households received fresh produce and grocery staple items, along with aiding twenty-seven staff/faculty households and three local community households. The Market at CoA takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

COA Excels at the 24th Annual Latino Student Honor Roll Celebration and Resources Fair

On April 13, 2024, COA’s Student Services, EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next Up, and SALAAM team members were honored to participate in the 24th Annual Latino Student Honor Roll Celebration and Resources Fair, organized by the Oakland Unified School District. Held in East Oakland at Fremont High School, this event drew over 1,000 students and guardians, creating an inspiring atmosphere of academic achievement and community support. The COA team engaged attendees in discussing college enrollment opportunities and showcased the various programs and services offered by the College.

The morning began with a warm welcome and a delightful breakfast spread, setting the stage for a day of celebration and empowerment. The event highlighted the academic excellence and talents of Latino students, with each honoree receiving a moment of recognition on stage, cheered on by peers and supporters. Performances by Ballet Folklorico and students added to the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the diverse talents of Bay Area youth.