Cerritos College receives contribution from Honda to address cost and access gaps in IT certification
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2026
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. – September 23, 2026 – Cerritos College today announced a $100,000 contribution from Honda to support establishing a new IT Industry Certification Center (ITICC) powered by Pearson VUE. The contribution will help advance the college’s work to help students earn credentials that lead to promising jobs in the technology industry.
“By eliminating cost and access barriers, this contribution will empower more Cerritos College students, many from historically underserved communities, to succeed in the IT industry,” said Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro. “Our graduates will not only strengthen the local workforce, but also help create a tech sector that better reflects the diversity of our community.”
The center will provide on-campus certification testing in high-demand IT fields, including cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and Windows Server administration. By offering these opportunities on campus, Cerritos College will help students earn credentials that lead to promising jobs in the technology industry.
Serving a student population where 94 percent come from underrepresented backgrounds, Cerritos College will use the ITICC to help close equity gaps in the tech workforce. Nationally, white Americans hold about 60-63 percent of tech positions, while Latinx and Black Americans represent just 8-10 percent and 7-7.5 percent, respectively. Expanding access to industry-recognized certifications will prepare a more diverse group of candidates for high-wage, high-growth technology careers.
IT certifications can open doors to jobs with median annual salaries ranging from $60,000 for entry-level support roles to over $120,000 in fields such as cybersecurity and cloud computing, creating life-changing opportunities for Cerritos College students and their families.
The contribution will cover exam fees for low-income students and support testing center operations. It will also fund students to attend top cybersecurity conferences, giving them exposure to industry experts, new technologies, and professional networks that can boost their careers.
The ITICC is expected to open this fall, offering convenient, affordable, and equitable pathways for students to earn the credentials employers require.
Honda is committed to empowering young people by prioritizing education and career readiness, fostering the creativity and innovation needed to solve tomorrow’s challenges. Through its Education pillar, Honda supports programs that inspire the next generation and create opportunities for them to succeed.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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