On Wednesday, September 14, Berkeley City College invited the third cohort of the NOVA (Networking, Opportunities, Vision, and Action) program scholars back to campus for a certificate ceremony in the BCC Auditorium. The NOVA program is in partnership with the Berkeley High School RISE program, providing an opportunity for incoming 9th graders to complete a series of Career Exploration courses. The dual enrollment pathway introduces college experience to these young scholars and allows them to earn college credit before beginning their high school careers.

This year’s cohort included 27 students from across the Berkeley Unified School District. “The goal is encouraging them to recognize themselves as fully capable of going to college,” said counselor Skyler Barton. “And BCC will be a continuous part of many of their journeys.”

The students received certificates, listened to presentations from the NOVA staff, and finished off the evening with a pizza party. We thank counselors Dri Regalado, Skyler Barton, and the rest of the NOVA staff for organizing these efforts and inspiring the next generation of college students!