Merritt and OUSD Celebrate Anniversary of Pre-Collegiate Academy
More than three decades ago, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and Merritt College began a collaboration that resulted in the creation of the Pre-Collegiate Academy (PCA), a program specifically designed for students in Oakland middle and secondary schools.
Students who enrolled in Merritt College’s African American Studies 27 course (Afro-Caribbean History, Politics, and Culture) recently returned from their study abroad trip to Jamaica. This was a tremendous opportunity for them to learn first-hand about the historical, economic, and cultural development of the Caribbean and the effects of colonization on the region.
Lisa Cook Appointed Acting VP of Instruction at Merritt
Merritt College officially welcomes Lisa Cook as Acting Vice President of Instruction. Lisa comes to Merritt from Berkeley City College, where she has served as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences since 2016. Her time in the Peralta District as an experienced leader and educator, however, spans more than 25 years.
Good morning, Merritt Community.
I am pleased to welcome Lisa Cook to the Merritt College family, as she formally begins her tenure as our Acting Vice President of Instruction. This morning marks her first day in the role, and we are grateful to have her. Lisa comes to us from Berkeley City College, where she has served as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences since 2016. Her time in the Peralta District as an experienced leader and educator, however, spans more than 25 years.
Oakland, June 29, 2023
Dear Peralta Community,
Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the admissions systems used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill illegally violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively overturning Affirmative Action programs. This is an unfortunate decision.
Merritt College Participates in Peralta Summer Institute
As part of the Peralta Summer Institute, Merritt is offering four career pathways for high school students to explore:
Merritt College Partners with Cultural Curators
Merritt College is partnering with two cultural curators to expand our reach into the community and attract students to our programs. The first collaboration is with Rod Campbell of Dope Only Marketing and will begin on July 1, 2023. This collaboration will enable us to recruit and retain a cohort of underserved, motivated high school students who are interested in beginning a Pre-Med/STEM pathway at the College.
Merritt College is very proud to share another success story from the ranks of our classified professional staff. Ms. Maria Valencia currently works in the Office of Instruction as the assistant to the VPI. She describes herself as a first-generation student from a very impoverished background, but also as someone who always had a strong desire to earn a college degree.
