Cerritos College’s innovative high school credit recovery program earns national award, transforming students’ futures

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2026

Media Contact:  Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications

Continuing Education teamNORWALK, Calif. – February 19, 2026 – Cerritos College transformed the recovery process into an opportunity; the college’s credit recovery program was awarded the 2025-26 League for Innovation in Community Colleges Excellence Award.

In collaboration with the Downey Unified School District, the college launched a program in Summer 2025 to help high school students recover credits for missed or failed classes. This initiative offered noncredit courses to help students regain their academic standing and access further educational opportunities. Led by the college’s Adult Education Division, the program involved extensive collaboration across campus to address administrative and academic needs. After months of preparation, 1,647 students enrolled in the program, focusing on recovering credits in subjects they had struggled with, which helped them stay on track for graduation.

The initiative aimed not only at credit recovery but also at serving as a pathway to advanced studies. Students who completed noncredit courses could continue with additional classes or dual enrollment programs for college credit while still in high school. To encourage students who succeed in noncredit math or English classes, Cerritos College launched a campaign to promote enrollment in college-level courses, highlighting their potential for academic success. Overall, the program has positively impacted over 1,600 students, providing essential resources and support for their educational journeys.

“By redefining the path to recovery as a gateway to opportunity, Cerritos College is proving that with the right support, every student’s setback can become a setup for a comeback,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College. “This initiative is a powerful example of how effective collaboration between colleges and school districts can truly change the trajectory of students' lives.”

The League for Innovation’s award honors programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes, creativity, and the promise of replication. Cerritos College envisions this initiative as a national model that shows how colleges and school districts can work together to break down barriers and empower young learners to achieve their goals.

Awardees:

  • Dr. Graciela Vasquez, Dean, Continuing Education
  • Dr. Sherryl Carter, Manager, Partnership for Adult Academic and Career Education
  • Marcos Romero, Assistant to the Dean, Continuing Education
  • Ivy Liang, Administrative Clerk III, Continuing Education
  • Jennifer Nieto, Program Facilitator, Foster/Kinship Care Education and Apprenticeship
  • Marysol Gonzalez, Program Assistant, Continuing Education
  • Melissa Sanchez, Program Assistant and Coordinator, CASAS
  • Claudia Aguilar-Gonzalez, Program Facilitator, Grants and Apprenticeship
  • Rogelio Alvarez, Administrative Clerk II, Continuing Education
  • Dr. Zolita Fisher, Program Facilitator, Continuing Education
  • Sylvia Arevalo, Administrative Services, Continuing 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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