Cerritos College News Release August 2016

Tuition Waived for 600 High School Graduates Starting Cerritos Complete Program

College Ready for New Semester with New Programs and More Security Measures

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2016

Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878 

K-16 studentsNORWALK, Calif. – August 12, 2016 – Cerritos College welcomed 600 new high school graduates into its Cerritos Complete program that began this fall semester. Cerritos Complete is the College’s new student success initiative that focuses on students’ pledge to “earn” and complete their degrees or certificates on time.  In exchange, the College will provide up to 800 students from local high schools with a merit-based scholarship for a tuition waiver or a $200 book voucher for one year. Cerritos Complete includes the College’s K-16 Bridge to College Program. Cerritos Complete is modeled after the California Promise, but focuses on degree completion and reduces the cost of college. On August 10, the College hosted a kick-off event for students from ABC, Bellflower, Downey, Norwalk-La Mirada and Paramount Unified School Districts. 

With its continued focus on student completion, the campus also unveiled its new Finish First program to support students who are only one class away from graduating or completing a certificate. Students receive assistance through priority enrollment, financial assistance for either enrollment fees or vouchers for books and supplies to complete their degree, or certificate program or transfer.

Another new initiative to support students through completing their degrees is the Accelerated Instruction in Math and English (AIME) program. AIME is designed to help accelerate students’ ability to complete their remedial, college-level math and English courses faster.

“Our goal is to ensure that we reduce every possible barrier that we can to help our students complete their education. While it is important that students attend college – it is even more critical that they finish. Far too many students across the state and the nation don’t finish their academic goals largely because of financial reasons and other circumstances. Programs like our Cerritos Complete, Finish First and AIME are so vital to the College’s larger vision to ensure that more students complete their career and academic goals on time,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent, Cerritos College.

“We will continue to invest resources into developing innovative programs and initiatives that provide more students with strong academic support services and early college preparation programs,” he continued.

Safety is still a top priority at the College. Students headed back to class will also see increased safety measures on campus with a new blue light phone system. The College is installing emergency phones across campus that allows callers to reach Campus Police with just one push. Over the summer, the College hosted an active shooter drill with its Campus Police Department, local police personnel and first responder agencies. 

 

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 degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

 

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