The weather gets cooler and the leaves get crunchier as Peralta TV continues to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month into October, with more programming focusing on the rich history and compelling stories that permeate all throughout Latinx culture.
Merritt College Hosts Financial Literacy Workshop for Students
Merritt recognizes that many students are going through difficult financial times, so the college is working to support them in effectively managing and maximizing their resources. The Merritt community believes that it is our responsibility to put students first, not only by providing quality education but also by creating experiences for our students to develop and prosper in every aspect of their lives. To the end, on Tuesday, September 22, Merritt hosted its first Financial Literacy Workshop (offered in partnership with the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development.
Enrollment by Ethnicity Distribution: September 2022 (left) vs January 2022 (right)
Students at Laney College: 14 More% This Fall!
Five weeks in, and the momentum has not stopped! Laney College student numbers continued to climb throughout September. As of the 22nd, 14% more students (1249) had enrolled in classes than the previous year, and the College had generated 8% more Full-Time Equivalent Students (FTES). More importantly, roughly 1200 more students have applied for Financial Aid than in Fall 2021, making investments in their education that are more likely to continue in future semesters and school years.
Over 100 Participants Attend CoA’s First In-Person Flex Day Since 2020
Over 100 College faculty, staff, and administrators attended CoA’s Fall Flex Day on August 19, 2022. This was the first in-person Flex Day event since January 2020 and the first to be held in HyFlex (Hybrid- Flexible) format. While many individuals chose to attend in person at the new Liberal Arts Building H, some attended by Zoom. Presentations were organized by the CoA Professional Development Committee and the Office of Instruction.
Exciting Summer for BCC CIRM Interns in the Biotechnology Program
In 2021, CIRM (California Institute of Regenerative Medicine) awarded Berkeley City College a $2.8 million 5-year grant. This award offers students a 10-month full-time paid internship in local academic and industry laboratories. Along with specialized training, students gain invaluable networking opportunities.
In an April issue of Gems, it was announced that the Peralta Colleges Foundation in partnership with The PepsiCo Foundation launched the Uplift Scholarship program to support our most underserved students of The Peralta Colleges, who are pursuing two-year degrees and professional certificate programs. In addition, to financial assistance, the program provides students with dedicated success coaches, access to emergency grants, and financial literacy courses. The PepsiCo Foundation’s Uplift Scholarship is currently offered at 20 community colleges across the country with the goal of providing 4,000 scholarships over five years. What’s more, the PepsiCo Foundation's Community College Program is a cornerstone effort of PepsiCo's more than $570 million Racial Equality Journey, a comprehensive initiative to support marginalized and historically underserved communities, people, and businesses.
In honor of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee, COA Ethnic Studies, and the Office of the President would like to encourage everyone to participate in all activities and celebration of the culture, achievements, traditions, contributions, and struggles of Latinx/Hispanic people in the U.S. and beyond.
For the second time in less than three months, we have lost a beloved member of our Merritt Family. Jim Gordon, our Principal Library Technician, passed away on Tuesday, September 6. He succumbed to injuries sustained after being hit by a cyclist while walking near his home in Sausalito. As his family shared, “we can only make sense of this tragedy knowing that the organs and tissues he donated are helping to save the lives of others.” Jim came to Merritt College several years ago, and immediately became a beloved figure on campus. Jim was funny, caring, and extremely intelligent. The Merritt community saw his patience and selflessness first-hand, as he would stop to help students who were wandering the campus, and we take comfort in being able to remember him so fondly as such a dignified and kind man.
