Diablo Valley College Career Focus Magazine by Diablo Valley College

WINTER/SPRING 2022 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 2

BASIC NEEDS COMMUNITY HELPS STUDENTS SURVIVE AND THRIVE

INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS LEAD TO FAST-TRACK CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE GRADS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Spring Classes Begin January 24, 2022

High-quality instruction. Flexible, convenient and affordable.

Access our spring schedule of classes at www.dvc.edu/schedule

• Degree and certificate programs taught by outstanding instructors • Career education to prepare for immediate employment and advancement • Day, evening, and hybrid classes available in-person and online • Campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon

Pleasant Hill Campus: 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230

San Ramon Campus: 1690 Watermill Road San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822

In This Issue Questions about the Diablo Valley College programs and services described in this publication can be directed to DVC Workforce Development Office at 925-969-2267. For information about enrolling at DVC call Welcome Services at (925) 969-2106.

Publisher...................................... Diablo Valley College Creative director.................................... Brandy Howard Writer...................................................... Jennifer Finetti Photo editor.................................... Sharrie Bettencourt Photography..........Scott Chernis & Sharrie Bettencourt Visit us at: www.dvc.edu Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board: John E. Márquez, Ward I Judy Walters, Ward II Rebecca Barrett, Ward III Andy Li, Ward IV Fernando Sandoval, Ward V Mansu Kim, Student Trustee Chancellor: Bryan Reece, Ph.D.

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CareerFocus is published periodically by Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. This project was funded fully or in part by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), awarded to Diablo Valley College and administered by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. It is the policy of the Contra Costa Community College District and Diablo Valley College to provide an educational and employment environment in which no person shall be unlawfully subject to discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, medical condition, ancestry, marital status or physical or mental disability or based on association with a person or group with one of more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Unlawful harassment, discrimination or denial of access of any employee/student with regard to ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability is strictly prohibited. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the College’s education programs. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures and requests for the elevation and addition of sports may be directed to the Diablo Valley College Vice President of Student Services (504, Title IX, Sexual Harassment; Title VI Coordinator and EEOC Officer) at 925-969-2005.

When Officer A. Allen graduated high school, she wanted to serve her community as a teacher. But after enrolling at DVC, she wanted to explore another path.

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Basic Needs Community Helps Students Survive and Thrive DVC students have access to a number of programs and resources that can assist them with their basic needs. One important area of support relates to food insecurity.

Industry Partnerships Lead to Fast-Track Careers in Technology The industry partnerships forged by DVC are crucial - not only for students, but also for workforce investment throughout the region.

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Administration of Justice Grads Make a Difference in Local Communities

Working Adults at DVC Set Their PACE and Stay on Track to Graduate PACE students enjoy the flexibility of the PACE program, as they can enroll in a mixture of evening, online, and hybrid classes. CareerFocus I WINTER/SPRING 2022 I 1

DVC PROGRAM

Administration of Justice Grads Make a Difference in Local Communities

hen Officer A. Allen graduated high school, she wanted to serve her community as a teacher. But after enrolling at DVC, she wanted to explore another path.

“Once I started taking classes, I realized that teaching was not for me. A family friend, Matthew Morrissey, talked to me about getting into law enforcement. I began taking administration of justice classes at DVC and I was hooked,” said Allen. It was no coincidence that Morrissey recommended Allen pursue this path. He himself built an impressive 30-year career in law enforcement. He also graduated from DVC’s administration of justice (AJ) program, and now serves as professor and department chair of that same program. “Our AJ instructors are current or retired career professionals. All of us enjoy counseling students in their educational and career pursuits,” said Morrissey.

were former police officers, as well as former and current attorneys. They were up to date on current law and were able to provide reallife scenarios that were interactive and interesting to someone like me. In one of my criminal justice classes, we took a tour of San Quentin Prison. It was a really eyeopening experience,” said Allen. Allen was able to find a job right after she graduated from DVC. “I was hired by the Antioch Police Department as a police officer.

DVC administration of justice alum Officer A. Allen is now a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. Photo courtesy of Officer A. Allen.

I grew up in Concord, and it means a lot to me to work in a community near where I grew up,” said Allen.

girls. I have also been involved in basketball programs where officers play opposite the high school kids,” said Allen.

Allen also appreciates that community policing is prioritized within the city of Antioch.

Allen encourages women to pursue a career in law enforcement if that is a direction they are considering.

“Since I have been employed with the Antioch Police Department, community policing has always been important. I support the Antioch High School softball team by attending practices and mentoring some of the

“Working in law enforcement is a very rewarding career. The Antioch Police Department is my second family. There are so many opportunities for women in law enforcement. In my department, there are only four women officers. Law enforcement is very much still a male-dominated career. Qualified females are in high demand within law enforcement agencies,” said Allen.

Administration of justice at DVC

Students enrolled in DVC’s administration of justice program are offered numerous opportunities to get a sense of the “real-life” experience of a law enforcement professional.

The administration of justice program at DVC offers both degree and certificate programs for students interested in careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, and related fields.

“When I went through the program, I had professors who

“Our program teaches basic law and criminal justice, and

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advanced knowledge and skills in criminal investigation, crime scene forensics, corrections, interviewing and counseling, report writing, cultural diversity, gangs, terrorism, and firearms and self-defense,” said Morrissey.

Tom Hansen

These are all areas of study students learn about here at DVC,” said Pamela Harrison, adjunct faculty for the DVC administration of justice program.

Chief of Police Brentwood Police Department

Technology tools

Tom Hansen grew up in central Contra Costa County, and enrolled at DVC immediately after graduating high school in 1985.

Students have access to technology tools similar to what are being used by law enforcement officers in the field. This helps to prepare them for transition into their future law enforcement careers.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Administration of justice faculty at DVC are aware that recent events have illuminated some of the challenges in law enforcement. “Our instructors are fully engaged in what’s happening in the world of policing and criminal justice reform, and we are addressing and teaching these topics in our classes. Our course curriculum and student learning outcomes reflect what we teach in the classroom: law and justice, leadership, ethics, integrity, professionalism, cultural understanding and competency, empathy, customer service, communication skills, de-escalation, non-force options, racial and social justice,” said Morrissey.

“I attended DVC for two years, and transferred to Sacramento State University where I earned a bachelor of science Police Chief Tom Hansen in criminal justice. I chose to Photo courtesy of Police Chief Tom Hansen attend DVC’s administration of justice program because it always had a great reputation and the instructors really motivated students to enter the profession. My first law enforcement job was working as a reserve police officer for the Walnut Creek Police Department,” said Hansen.

“DVC has invested in 3D laser scanning technology, small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAS), fingerprint identification stations, and force-option simulators. These high-technology tools are used in our courses to instruct students in advanced 3D crime scene mapping, fingerprint collection and identification, and the less-thanlethal force options - including non-physical verbal de-escalation in various contact and arrest scenarios,” said Gloekler.

In 1995, Hansen joined the Brentwood Police Department. He worked his way up the ranks, and is now the Chief of Police. “Over the past 27 years, I’ve spent more time in the City of Brentwood than any other city. I grew up in this organization. I feel it is a true honor and privilege to serve the great community of Brentwood,” said Hansen.

Working adults interested in criminal justice or related careers may want to enroll in the Program for Adult College Education (PACE) administration of justice track. PACE participants who choose this track can complete a designated certificate of achievement, an administration of justice associate in science degree or an administration of justice associate in science degree for transfer.

Job outlook The job outlook for careers in administration of justice is outstanding, with many organizations hiring - often with strong salary and benefit packages.

Hansen and the Brentwood Police Department have an on-going professional relationship with DVC. “I am a big fan of community colleges, particularly Diablo Valley College. I have many staff members that attended DVC. We also partner with the DVC administration of justice program with their annual work fair, and in classroom lectures,” said Hansen. Hansen highly recommends DVC for students interested in careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.

“The PACE administration of justice track is an ideal choice for people who work and/or have family obligations, including working police officers, security personnel, or anyone else interested in a criminal justice career who has not completed their formal college education,” said Morrissey.

“The education and contacts you will make at DVC are tremendous. This profession needs good people who are willing to serve others. Yes, the profession is hard, complicated and dangerous, and not all are cut-out to do the job. In my opinion, this is the most noble and self-satisfying profession one can enter. I would tell any young person interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or forensics to start that journey at Diablo Valley College,” said Hansen.

DVC’s administration of justice program also participates in statewide conversations and work regarding police and criminal justice reform. The program is also a member of the Regional Joint Venture of Bay Area Administration of Justice programs focusing on these areas.

meeting the challenge by preparing students for success in a wide range of criminal justice careers,” said Toby Gloekler, adjunct professor for the DVC administration of justice program.

“The need for highly trained, professional, ethical officer recruits has never been greater, and DVC is

A focus on ethics and cultural understanding has been a hallmark of DVC’s program.

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“Prior to the recent events focused on defunding, reimagining, and proposed closing of juvenile facilities, our department was focused on realignment of adult and juvenile services. Course textbooks, course readers and curriculum focused on the shifts in community-based programs, reentry and reduction of juvenile detention.

“This is a great time to get into a law enforcement or criminal justice career! San Francisco Police Department, San Jose Police Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are in need of hundreds of new officers, as are almost all local police departments. Some departments are offering hiring bonuses. Corrections and probation departments are hiring people. Private security and asset protection is also booming. Many other fields, like homeland security, cybersecurity, forensics, juvenile and adult counseling, prevention and re-entry positions are expanding as well,” said Morrissey. FOR MORE INFORMATION about the administration of justice program at DVC, visit www.dvc.edu/aj.

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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP

Industry Partnerships Lead to Fast-Track Careers in Technology

randon Manzanares graduated from DVC with an associate in science in allied health. After spending some time working in the medical field, he felt he wanted to explore other career options.

“I have always had an interest in computer science, engineering and robotics, so I decided to go back to school,” said Manzanares. Manzanares was particularly interested in the Tesla Manufacturing Development Program. “What impressed me the most about the Tesla program was that I would be a full-time employee at Tesla with benefits, while also being able to go to school and earn a certificate that will help me within the company,” said Manzanares.

it to meet their needs,” said Covarrubias. The partnership with Tesla was critical to the revitalization of DVC machining and manufacturing programs. “We realized we were dealing with a generation of students who were not provided with handson shop classes in California

high schools. As we began to write our new robotics program, Tesla’s training team provided guidance and insight. We then worked closely with our advisory board to ensure we would also meet the demands of our other industry partners,” said Jeffrey Smith, program lead for industrial design, robotics and advanced manufacturing at DVC.

Manzanares is a production assistant at Tesla. He is just one of many Tesla employees who are enrolled at DVC while working full-time for the company.

“We have such a diversity of leading companies in the Bay Area as partners. We work closely with Benchmark Electronics, Marathon Petroleum, Autodesk, and Tesla. These powerhouse companies are involved in steering our program to ensure that we are meeting the demands of industry, while also giving our students a solid academic foundation,” said Smith.

Prior to the partnership with DVC, TESLA had been training their employees through their internal program, TESLA University.

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“As part of the Tesla MDP, I am working towards a certificate of achievement in industrial automation and robotics at DVC. I may pursue a certificate or degree in computer science as well. I plan to continue working at Tesla after completing the program. I’m looking forward to moving into the maintenance team and utilizing what I will learn here at DVC. There are many opportunities for growth within Tesla,” said Manzanares. Tesla is just one of several employers who partner with DVC.

“Our partnership stems from the fact that TESLA needs to train their employees and they need to hire a new workforce,” said Manuel Covarrubias, assistant professor and area lead for the electricity/electronics/energy systems programs at DVC.

“They came to realize that it is better to have their workforce be trained at a college like DVC because that is what we are good at - training and teaching. TESLA doesn’t need to build any new facilities or create curriculum. We have the curriculum and we can work with TESLA to tweak

Manzanares is looking forward to building his skills and his career through the Tesla Manufacturing Development Program (MDP).

DVC student and Tesla production assistant Brandon Manzanares outside the Tesla facility. Photo courtesy of Brandon Manzanares.

“Marathon Petroleum’s partnership with DVC includes funding vocational education and provides opportunities to help shape DVC’s career technical education curriculum to ensure it is current and relevant to our industry and the jobs of tomorrow,” said Nichol Carranza, community investments

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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT - industrial automation and robotics • ELTRN-107 Introduction to Robotics • ELECT-120 Direct Current Circuits • ELTRN-121 Alternating Current Circuits • ELECT-130 Motors and Motor Controllers • ELECT-271 Programmable Logic Controllers • ENGTC-160 Introduction to Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering • ENGTC-175 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems and Components

Support from Marathon Petroleum enabled DVC to purchase this CNC machine for DVC’s advanced manufacturing and machining programs. Photo courtesy of Marathon Petroleum.

• ENGTC-176 Mechanical Systems and Components representative for Marathon Petroleum. Smith feels fortunate to have gained such strong support from Marathon’s engineering team. “They saw value in the types of students we are producing. Over the past few years, they have significantly invested in our engineering technology program. Because of this generosity, we were able to purchase a new computer numeric control (CNC) machine with a 5-axis milling table for our advanced manufacturing and machining programs,” said Smith. In addition to providing financial support to DVC, Marathon Petroleum is a valued member of the DVC engineering technology advisory committee. Marathon employees have also served as guest speakers for DVC classes, and have given tours of of their facility to DVC students. “We are grateful to have a community partner like DVC that provides specialized training in technical education. Marathon’s success relies on its ability to recruit and retain employees with those skills. Our investments at DVC align with our priorities to support vocational education and thriving communities,” said Carranza.

achievement will have the skills needed to appeal to employers like Marathon Petroleum. “Future employees will have the opportunity to work on renewable fuels and to be part of the effort to achieve California’s climate goals. DVC’s associate in science degree and its certificates in machine technology (mTech) help prepare students for the types of careers available in the evolving energy industry,” said Carranza. The industry partnerships forged by DVC are crucial - not only for students, but also for workforce investment throughout the region. “Industry partnerships help ensure DVC students are working on cutting-edge technologies and gaining practical experience. We know that some problems can’t be solved in isolation in a lab or classroom. Industry feedback is key in sparking innovation whether it be in re-energizing our curriculum, adding facilities and equipment, or taking an invention or product from concept to market. Companies who may not have the time themselves to incubate ideas are vying for graduates who have the pulse on emerging markets,” said Covarrubias.

DVC students who complete the industrial maintenance machinist/ mechanic (mTECH) certificate of dvc.edu I DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the mTECH program, visit www.dvc.edu/ engineering-technology.

• ENGTC-180 Robotics and Automation for Industry Plus at least 2 units from: • ENGTC-165 Manufacturing Processes: Material Machining I • CONST-110 Occupational Safety

For more information about the industrial automation and robotics program, visit www.dvc.edu/industrial-automation-and-robotics.

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT - industrial maintenance machinist/mechanic (mTECH) • CONST 110 Occupational Safety • ELECT 110 Survey of Electricity • ENGTC 119 Introduction to Technical Drawing • ENGTC 165 Machining and Manufacturing I • ENGTC 167 Machining and Manufacturing II • ENGTC 175 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems and Components • ENGTC 176 Mechanical Systems and Components

Plus at least 0-5 units from: • ENGTC 111 Mathematics for Technicians • MATH 119 Beginning and Intermediate Algebra • MATH 121 Plane Trigonometry • MATH 191 Pre-Calculus • MATH 192 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I For more information about the mTECH program, visit www.dvc.edu/engineering-technology.

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STUDENT SERVICES

Basic Needs Community Helps Students Survive and Thrive counseling through the DVC Counseling Department. It was a great help, but I still felt like there could be more. We could do more. I wanted to do more,” said De La Torre. Gerardo De La Torre

erardo De La Torre arrived at DVC as a re-entry student, hoping to fulfill his dream of a college education.

“I wanted to give myself another opportunity to be the first in my family to graduate from university. My parents immigrated from Mexico so their children could have a better life. I had always wanted to be a computer engineer, and work for NASA. I always dreamed of being amongst the stars in the night sky,” said De La Torre. Despite numerous challenges, De La Torre is continuing to work towards his goal. “I’ve interacted with many departments and resources as I navigated personal struggles as a student. Food insecurity before receiving CalFresh and the opening of the DVC food pantry. Housing and financial insecurity, which caused me to have to stay overnight at the DVC campus at times, sleeping in my car. A 6 I WINTER/SPRING 2022 I CareerFocus

wellness crisis without a health center on campus,” said De La Torre.

De La Torre decided to take action. In 2020-21, he became DVC’s first wellness ambassador, promoting and advocating for the mental wellness of students on campus, on behalf of the state chancellor’s office. “It’s truly a dream position, having the opportunity to apply personal trauma, strife, and knowledge to help others in similar situations.

Unfortunately, a growing number of students find it difficult to meet their basic needs.

Together with my advisor, Christie Harrington-Tsai, we helped launch the DVC Wellness Counseling Department’s social media accounts to have better interactions with students, faculty and staff. In addition, we offer wellness counseling appointments, where students have a resource to talk to someone in a safe space,” said De La Torre.

Basic needs community DVC students have access to a number of programs and resources that can assist them with their basic needs. One

“Basic needs are what you need to survive and thrive. This can include food, housing, clothing, financial help, access to technology and support for wellness and mental health,” said Dr. Emily Stone, the dean of counseling and student success programs for DVC. When a person is unable to access the urgent support and resources needed, they can begin to feel hopeless. “It was a very difficult time that had me in perilous situations. It makes you feel alone, powerless. I did sign up for wellness

Geraldine Ramos

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important area of support relates to food insecurity. In 2018, DVC participated in the HOPE Survey, a national survey that assessed student basic needs. Results from the survey showed that 41 percent of DVC students experience food insecurity. In response to the survey, DVC opened a food pantry at the Pleasant Hill campus. Students are able to access the pantry two times per week. Geraldine Ramos is pursuing an associate in science degree in public health at DVC, with plans to transfer and obtain a bachelor of science in radiographic technology. She is also a student worker for DVC student life and the food pantry. “Prior to enrolling at DVC, I was an allied health employee that had maxed out the tier for my position. I decided to further my career and education. My personal challenges are being a full-time mother, working a part-time job and attending DVC part-time as well,” said Ramos. Ramos feels fortunate to be able to provide assistance in the food pantry. “The main reason I gravitated to this position is because I have suffered from food insecurity myself. The food pantry has been an essential support to our home. There are days I just run out of my house without water or a snack, and the food pantry has provided the calories I need to go about my busy schedule,” said Ramos. The food pantry is available to all enrolled DVC students. “There are bags with a myriad of non-perishable items, food boxes donated from the local food bank, multiple snacks and to-go choices, and meals prepared by culinary students at DVC. We also hold free produce markets,” said Ramos. Many students have shared their personal stories with Ramos. “Some of the feedback that comes close to home is the gratitude and vulnerability many students share. International students who confided they were afraid of being denied this resource. Families suffering from a

loss of a job or other life challenges who are so grateful to have food relief. Displaced students that tell us that our meals are the first meal of their day,” said Ramos. Ramos feels it is important that students understand which programs and services at DVC might help them meet their basic needs. “As a student at DVC, I make sure I utilize all benefits available. I have also used our TimelyCare telehealth services and was amazed at the rapid response,” said Ramos. TimelyCare is a collaboration between the Associated Students of Diablo Valley College (ASDVC) and the college. This free service provides DVC students with access to medical and mental health telehealth care through TimelyMD. “If a student is not feeling well, TimelyCare has licensed doctors that treat students, and they can offer prescriptions if needed. TimelyCare also has licensed therapists that students can talk to if they are feeling stressed or having other mental health concerns. The great thing about it is that services are available 24/7, even in the middle of the night,” said Debra Alvarenga, the TimelyCare Student Ambassador for DVC.

Services and resources The basic needs community at DVC provides information and resources about: • Food pantries and support programs • Affordable temporary and permanent housing solutions • Physical health, wellness and mental health services • Textbooks and other materials • Equipment required for online classes • Resources to support financial emergencies and foster long-term financial wellness

Alvarenga knows how helpful it can be to have access to quality health care. “Before I enrolled at DVC, I was a stay-at-home mom for three years taking care of my children. I am majoring in allied health nursing, and plan to transfer to get my bachelor of science in nursing and become a registered nurse. Then I’ll go back to school to get my master’s to become a nurse practitioner,” said Alvarenga. During her time at DVC, Alvarenga has received support through the basic needs community. “I’ve gone to the food pantry to get food for myself and my family. It’s a big help for me financially. I’ve used TimelyCare when I or my children have had an urgent concern. We were seen, diagnosed and treated right away,” said Alvarenga.

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The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Program helps low-income and educationallydisadvantaged students reach their academic goals. “The program provides a variety of services including peer mentoring, counseling, workshops, community building, and tutoring,” said Stone. SparkPoint Contra Costa - DVC is a community-based, non-profit organization that helps students become financially sustainable. “SparkPoint helps students advance their knowledge about budgeting, credit, and overcoming financial challenges. Financial coaching and workshops are offered to DVC students and our adult school partners,” said Stone.

When students are able to meet their basic needs, they are better able to focus on their education. “Every student has their own struggles, and sometimes they don’t know where to get help. It’s hard for a student to go to college while dealing with multiple challenges, like not having access to quality food, healthcare, childcare, or not having enough money to pay for tuition. When a college has resources and support to help students with basic needs, students can focus on being successful in college to achieve their goals for themselves and their family,” said Alvarenga. TO FIND OUT MORE about the basic needs community at DVC, visit www.dvc.edu/basic-needs.

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PACE PROGRAM

PACE students can select from three tracks: • General Education: The general education track is geared for students pursuing a variety of majors. Students complete a breadth of general education courses required for associate degree completion and/or transfer to CSU, UC or private/ independent colleges and universities. Students work with a PACE counselor to select classes that satisfy their individual major requirements as well. • Business: The business track is offered in collaboration with the San Ramon campus. Students are able to earn a business administration associate in science degree for transfer. This track includes curriculum for both general education and major requirements.

Sofia Deleuse

• Administration of Justice: Beginning in spring 2022, PACE students may also choose the administration of justice track. Students can complete a designated certificate of achievement, administration of justice associate in science degree, or an administration of justice associate in science degree for transfer.

Working Adults at DVC Set Their PACE and Stay on Track to Graduate

ofia Deleuse knew she wanted to complete her college education. But like so many other working adults, she was juggling multiple responsibilities. “I was a single mother of a beautiful young girl, and we were living with my parents in San Francisco. They were helping me raise my daughter. I was managing a small business in Burlingame. I was ready to move on because I had gone as far as I could in that company. I had been attending a community college

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in San Francisco, but didn’t really know what direction I was going into. I just knew I wanted to be more educated and be a person my daughter could look up to,” said Deleuse. Deleuse and her daughter moved to Concord in 2016. A year later, she enrolled at DVC to continue her education. That’s where she found the Program for Adult College Education (PACE) Program. PACE was created for working adults, including stay-athome parents, who would like to obtain an associate’s degree and/ or transfer to a four-year university. “The teachers are understanding about the adults having a life. They know we are not young

PACE students enjoy the flexibility of the PACE program, as they can enroll in a mixture of evening, online, and hybrid classes.

adults with no responsibilities,” said Deleuse.

Deleuse chose the business track.

What is the PACE program? “PACE is a learning community program designed to support adults juggling work, life, and school. We offer a set curriculum with reserved seating, dedicated counseling, and instructional faculty. We also offer tutoring, mentoring and established partnerships with receiving transfer institutions to ensure the success of our PACE students. All working adult students are welcome,” said Sheila Lau, counseling faculty and PACE program coordinator.

“I plan on pursuing my BA in business, hopefully focusing on leadership. I would like to continue my education at Saint Mary’s College. They have a program that is similar to the PACE program at DVC. I am also applying for Cal State East Bay just in case Saint Mary’s College doesn’t work out,” said Deleuse.

Why join the PACE program? “If a student is juggling a full plate, the PACE program can help streamline their college experience with support.

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Curriculum is taught by PACE instructors. Students also receive PACE counseling support, tutoring and mentors,” said Lau. The PACE team is able to anticipate and respond to student needs. This helps keep students on track to graduate. “Students in the PACE program don’t have to search for classes, tutoring and support. We bring it all to the students, understanding the demands and needs of the working adult, we work everything around to accommodate their busy lives and schedules,” said Shaeehea Hollis, counseling faculty and PACE program coordinator.

PACE program participants enjoy a smoother transfer path as well. “We have established transfer partnerships with PACE-friendly receiving institutions to make transferring a viable option while continuing as a working adult learner,” said Hollis.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Felicia Hill When Felicia Hill first learned about the PACE program, she knew it would be an ideal fit.

Employers find PACE to be an affordable, flexible learning opportunity for their employees. Skills their employee learns in class can be applied on the job.

“When I met with my counselor, she walked through the educational program and designed a plan specifically for me,” said Hill.

“This enables PACE graduates to have the opportunity to advance into higher level positions, fostering options for retention and continued employment in the company,” said Lau.

Through the PACE program, Hill was able to earn her associate in science in business, as well as a certificate of achievement in general business, and a real estate salesperson certificate of accomplishment in just two and a half years. “I feel the teachers and counselors were available for guidance and were committed to helping us all be successful. I am absolutely satisfied with the PACE program at DVC,” said Hill.

Jeff Heath Jeff Heath started college at the age of 41. “I realized I needed a degree in order to reach a higher level in my career,” said Heath. Sheila Lau (top left) teaches an online class to PACE students.

Benefits • Reserved seating in impacted courses with PACE instructor • Assigned counselors within the PACE program • Focused curriculum • Mid-term success reports • PACE mentorship support • Additional graduation ceremony for PACE students • Access to transfer partner universities Deleuse is grateful for the support she received from the PACE team, especially after suffering a personal loss.

focused as she looks ahead to the next step on her college journey. The goal I set for myself when I started this journey was that I was going to graduate and transfer to a university. I was going to be a better student than I was in high school. I was going to actually learn something and use the skills I am learning to pursue a career that I enjoy. DVC has kept me on track and PACE has sped up my timeline that I had planned for school,” said Deleuse.

Getting started • Submit a DVC application, if you haven’t completed one previously • Submit the PACE application

“Shortly after this semester started, my mother passed away from cancer. I cared for her myself most of that time. PACE professors and my counselor, Sheila Lau, have been very understanding of my situation,” said Deleuse.

• Attend PACE student orientation

Despite all that she has gone through, Deleuse is trying to remain

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit www.dvc.edu/pace.

• Meet with a PACE counselor • Submit the FAFSA to see what financial aid you qualify for (most of our students don’t pay any tuition)

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Heath really appreciated the support and guidance he received through the PACE program. “My PACE counselor, Sheila Lau, was always available when I needed her. She played an important role in seeing me through the pandemic and helped me pick which school I should transfer to,” said Heath.

Tanya Flucher Tanya Flucher was determined to complete her college journey. But like many working adults, she found it difficult to balance multiple responsibilities. She entered the PACE Program in Summer 2016, beginning with a public speaking class. “I got an A in the class. That helped me to find the determination and drive to keep moving forward. I just took things one semester at a time,” said Flucher. Flucher transferred to Cal State East Bay in 2020 to obtain a bachelor of arts in human development/women’s studies. “I’m living proof that it’s never too late to complete your educational goals,” said Flucher. CareerFocus I WINTER/SPRING 2022 I 9

STEPS to ENROLL www.dvc.edu/apply

step step step step step

1 2 3 4 5

Apply for admission and financial aid

Complete the online orientation

Determine your placement in English/ESL and math

Complete an educational plan

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