Cerritos College secures $1.3 million federal grant to advance student success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2025
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. - October 14, 2025 - Cerritos College has once again earned national recognition for its leadership in expanding opportunities and advancing student success. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the college a $1.3 million federal TRIO grant to strengthen support for first-generation and low-income students.
The five-year grant will fund the Cerritos College branch of the TRIO Student Support Services Project, a national initiative aimed at helping students stay in school, graduate, and build successful careers. By providing personalized advising and expanding mentoring and tutoring programs, the TRIO initiative at Cerritos College empowers students to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. For Cerritos College, these support services are critical, as more than 30 percent of its students qualify for TRIO programs, with over half of those students identifying as both low-income and first-generation college students.
“This federal investment affirms what Cerritos College does best: opening doors and creating pathways for every student to thrive,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College. “With this grant, we will continue leading the way in making education a force for growth and transformation in our communities.”
Since its founding, TRIO has helped millions of students nationwide access higher education. This new funding expands Cerritos College’s reach and impact, ensuring more students achieve long-term success through the power of education.
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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