State of the College highlights value of a college degree to students and the community
Cerritos College hosted its 2024 State of the College address on March 27. President/Superintendent
Dr. Jose Fierro highlighted the college’s purpose of uplifting students, employees,
and communities.
Dr. Fierro presented the college's initiatives to provide a pathway for students and their families to reach the middle class and beyond. “Our students’ annual income increases by approximately $11,000 with an associate degree and $30,000 with a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, our career technical education program students’ hourly wage increases by 60 percent after they complete their program,” he said.
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a distinguished alumna of Cerritos College, delivered
the keynote speech, underscoring the college’s transformative impact on students'
lives. Asm. Pacheco attributed her success to the dedicated faculty and mentors who
helped her navigate her path, starting at Cerritos College. “I was inspired by my
political science professors at Cerritos College, who fostered educational growth
in me as they do for all of their students,” she said.
Echoing Asm. Pacheco’s sentiments, Dr. Fierro emphasized the college's endeavors to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty and staff dedicated to cultivating student success. He also emphasized the holistic services provided to students through the college’s basic needs support program, Falcon’s Nest. Dr. Fierro shared that students who receive these services show higher success rates than the general student population.
The president highlighted the college’s contribution to the regional economy by generating
jobs and cultivating highly qualified graduates who enter the local workforce, which
amounts to more than half a billion dollars annually. Showcasing a record-breaking
achievement, he announced that the college awarded 6,325 degrees and certificates
in 2023. This number exemplifies the college's dedication to enhancing the lives of
residents in the region through education.
“A college education is the most reliable route to upward mobility. Our goal as your community college is to continuously explore new opportunities to meet our students' evolving needs and better serve our community,” said Dr. Fierro.
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