Aspen Institute selects Cerritos College for inaugural Presidents & Trustees Collaborative
National initiative strengthens board-president alignment to advance student success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2025
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. – August 4, 2025 – Cerritos College has been selected as one of 10 community colleges nationwide to join the inaugural cohort of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Presidents & Trustees Collaborative. This year-long initiative supports governing boards and college presidents in strengthening alignment to advance student outcomes through effective, equity-focused leadership.
Cerritos College serves communities across Southeast Los Angeles County, where many students are the first in their families to attend college. The Collaborative will support stronger outcomes for these students by helping college leadership make informed, data-driven decisions that are grounded in student voice.
Led by the Aspen Institute, a national leader in advancing student success and institutional excellence, the Collaborative connects Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro and the Board of Trustees with national experts and peer institutions. Participants will explore proven strategies from top-performing colleges to enhance decision-making processes and increase impact where it matters most—student success.
“I’m proud to be part of a team that puts students at the center of every decision,” said Board President Mariana Pacheco. “This opportunity allows us to grow even stronger as a governing body while continuing to remove barriers so more students from our communities can reach their goals and access the life-changing power of a college degree.”
Cerritos College’s selection reflects its deep commitment to student-centered, data-informed leadership. Over the past decade, the number of degrees and certificates awarded annually has more than tripled —opening more doors to good jobs, university transfer, and economic mobility for local families.
The college’s board and president routinely track student progress using key data points, such as course completion, transfer, and graduation rates, to help more students succeed. Participation in the Aspen Collaborative will provide additional tools to strengthen governance and accelerate progress for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved.
“This national recognition reflects our shared commitment to leading with purpose and ensuring every student has a real shot at success,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, Cerritos College President/Superintendent. “We look forward to learning alongside our peers and continuing to lead with clarity, accountability, and a deep commitment to our students and the communities we serve.”
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.
About Aspen Institute: The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
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