LEVELING UP WITH PROJECT ACCESS AND COMMUNITY
SHAPE AND SCULPT YOUR OWN PATH IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY
DVC
BELONGING, BELIEF AND SUCCESS FOR FOSTER YOUTH
DON’T LET FEAR STOP YOU
DVC STUDENT PARENTS CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES
INDUSTRY PARTNERS JOIN FORCES WITH DVC TO CULTIVATE JOB-READY TALENT
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 Ryan Blauvelt
Photography Denis Perez-Bravo
Visit us at: www.dvc.edu
Contra Costa Community College District
Governing Board:
John E. Márquez, Ward I
Dr. Judy Walters, Ward II
Rebecca Barrett, Ward III
Andy Li, Ward IV
Fernando Sandoval, Ward V
Halena Neyazi, Student Trustee
Chancellor: Mojdeh Mehdizadeh
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) and Strong Workforce Program, awarded to Diablo Valley College and administered by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
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DVC offers many options for adult learners to upskill or retrain and take their career to the next level
DVC kinesiology programs offer flexible options for fitness careers
Programs to guide foster youth throughout their journey at DVC
DVC Student Parents Create New Opportunities for Themselves and their Families
“DVC has long been recognized for meeting students wherever they are on their educational path, and guiding them to success,” said Paul Pitner, professor for early childhood education at DVC.
For adult learners focused on taking their career to the next level, DVC offers many options for upskilling or retraining, including partnership programs with adult education and community education.
After arriving in the United States from Mexico, Mayte Cortes decided to pursue a career in early childhood education.
“I wanted to work at First Five but was told I needed to be able to communicate in English, and that early childhood education (ECE) units were required,” said Cortes. Cortes enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses through Mt. Diablo Adult Education. She also learned about Project
“Instructors for the ECE and ESL classes collaborate to ensure student success,” said Mariana Rios, early childhood education student resources project assistant at DVC.
Cortes is now working towards an associate in science for transfer (ADT/AS-T) in early childhood education and plans to transfer to a fouryear university to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“Project ACCESS fosters a community for students who, like me, have not mastered the English language and want to self-improve and create positive impact,” said Cortes.
To learn more about Project ACCESS, visit www.dvc.edu/projectaccess
“Community education serves DVC through not-for-credit offerings that fulfill DVC’s mission to promote personal growth and lifelong learning,” said Johanna Padilla, director of community education for DVC.
Fundamentals online course offered through DVC’s community education program.
“Cybersecurity jobs are expected to increase by 48 percent in the next five years. This IBM SkillsBuild cybersecurity credential prepares learners for these careers,” said Theresa Hade, the senior program coordinator for career and community engagement at DVC.
Students enrolled in the course can earn six individual digital badges that represent key skills learned. The final capstone challenge is led by a cybersecurity industry expert.
“Being able to speak to a leader in the field gave us opportunities to ask questions. I also enjoyed networking with other students,” said Gee.
ACCESS, a program that prepares students for success in DVC’s early childhood education program.
“I had wondered if there was hope for me. Then Project ACCESS opened its doors and changed my life,” said Cortes.
Project ACCESS combines ESL instruction with college preparation skills, career training, and other support services for ESL students interested in careers in early childhood education.
Community education is also a gateway to career advancement through short courses in specific industry areas.
“DVC community education is a great choice for adults interested in upskilling. Our offerings are fastpaced and accessible to working adults with multiple responsibilities,” said Padilla.
While working at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Roanna Gee enrolled in the IBM Cybersecurity
Justice Gaines enrolled in the course upon the recommendation of an instructor at Cal State East Bay, where Gaines is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree. He is also employed as a field service engineer. Gaines feels the cybersecurity course has been instrumental in enhancing his job performance.
“As industries and personal aspirations evolve, success hinges on the ability to embrace change for the long-term,” said Gaines.
Gee shares this view and is now taking an introductory course in computer network technology.
“I plan to continue to take other networking courses at DVC, as well as explore other course offerings through both DVC and DVC’s community education program,” said Gee.
To find out more, visit www.dvc.edu/communityed.
Armando Febo had been working at low-paying retail jobs since becoming a parent at 17. After 21 years of marriage and four more children, Armando was ready to make a change.
“After having our first child, I dropped out of school. Without additional education, I felt limited on what I could do,” said Febo.
The pandemic was another setback, due to so many stores having to close. While out of work, Febo studied for his GED. He completed his courses and successfully passed his exam.
“The day I passed, I stopped by my mother’s house to share the news. There was an issue of DVC Magazine on the counter,” said Febo. That’s where his DVC journey began.
Febo is now a full-time student at DVC, working towards certificates of achievement in personal training and yoga teacher training. He is also gaining hands-on experience in the field.
fitness instruction/personal training program at DVC.
Kinesiology students gain experience through working in DVC fitness facilities with clients sourced from faculty and staff. Most students complete a two-semester hands-on practicum to prepare for the real-life demands of the industry.
“The personal fitness training program has a 100% employment success rate for students who earn a certificate or degree, and a 99% pass rate on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal training exam,” said Pierson.
“I took my first yoga class in college over 30 years ago, and knew I wanted to be a yoga teacher someday,” said Kathy Finley.
Since her children will soon be in college, Finley felt ready to pursue her yoga teacher journey.
“I chose DVC to experience the program within an affordable college learning environment, where I could interact with a variety of students to get fresh perspectives,” said Finley.
Milissa Bradley, lead trainer for the yoga teacher training 200-hour certificate program at DVC.
The yoga teacher training program runs for eight weeks each fall and spring. Classes are held evenings and Saturdays, enabling students to balance the program with other responsibilities.
“Students who successfully complete the program fulfill the requirements of the Yoga Alliance 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, which meets employer requirements for yoga instructors,” said Bradley.
“I would encourage anyone interested in kinesiology to come to DVC. My life has changed so much in such a short time, and yours can too,” said Febo.
“DVC offers an array of degrees and certificates under the kinesiology umbrella. Each area is led by a professor with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience,” said Shelly Pierson, program lead for the
DVC’s yoga classes are among the most highly enrolled activity classes on campus. Offering a yoga teacher training certificate program seemed like a natural extension of that interest.
“The new yoga teacher training certificate program assists students in self-discovery and selfrealization, strengthens personal yoga practice, and develops the skills and knowledge to teach Hatha and Vinyasa style yoga safely,” said
“In 2021, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and had surgery to remove the tumor. I decided to pursue a career where I could contribute to people’s physical fitness journey,” said Chris Brecheen.
Brecheen plans to earn an associate in science in fitness instruction and certificates of achievement in personal training and coaching. They hope to open a nonprofit fitness center, enabling members to participate in classes and fitness training on a sliding scale.
“What I really enjoy about the kinesiology programs at DVC is how diverse the options are. I come to school and lift weights or swim, and then I go ‘get my nerd on’ and learn about physiology and body energy systems,” said Brecheen.
For more information about the kinesiology programs at DVC, visit www.dvc.edu/ kinesiology
“After high school, I took a year off to work. I had been dealing with a lot from when I was little. I also wondered if school was for me because everyone in my family had dropped out of college or didn’t go at all,” said Imani Gordon.
Gordon later enrolled at DVC to earn an associate in arts degree in animation. He had learned about DVC’s foster youth program while in high school, so he met with the coordinator of the Student Transition and Academic Retention Team (START) program.
“It took time to get comfortable because I don’t like meeting new people. But I realized that the people involved with the START+NextUp program really care
about foster youth. That’s why I decided to be a peer advisor for the program,” said Gordon.
Gordon strongly encourages current and former foster youth to continue their education - and to start at DVC.
“Don’t let statistics about foster youth scare you out of graduating from college. Go get that education! Let everyone know who you are, and what you stand for,” said Gordon.
Like Gordon, Tiaira “Taye” Breaux had to overcome personal challenges that were impeding her success.
“I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco as a photography major, but I felt like I could do more. I wanted to be a teacher. The biggest challenge I had to overcome was myself. I felt I wasn’t smart enough to attend a regular college. I had to teach myself that my
“Don’t let statistics about foster youth scare you out of graduating from college. Go get that education! Let everyone know who you are, and what you stand for. ”
learning disabilities didn’t define me or my capabilities,” said Breaux.
Soon after enrolling at DVC, Breaux learned about the programs, services, and support available to current and former foster youth.
“After getting involved in START+NextUp, I felt like I belonged at DVC. The support and encouragement have been so helpful,” said Breaux.
Breaux is working towards her associate in science for transfer (AD-T/AS-T) in early childhood education at DVC. She then plans to earn a bachelor’s degree and special education teaching credential at
St. Mary’s College of California. Breaux credits the support she received at DVC with giving her the confidence needed to speak in front of a classroom.
“I did not think it was possible for a runaway foster youth with my type of learning background to make it this far. My goal is to be the person that every child needs in the classroom - a teacher who will encourage and support them,” said Breaux.
Breaux has a message for students facing multiple barriers to achieving their goals.
“Go for it; do not doubt yourself. There is a team of people at DVC
who will support you every step of the way,” said Breaux.
“START+NextUp are DVC programs that support students with lived experiences in the foster care system. DVC serves approximately 80 to 90 current or former foster youth each year,” said Phoebe Keesey, the program coordinator for DVC foster youth services.
Keesey reports that on a national basis, only about three percent of foster youth graduate with a bachelor’s degree by the age of 26, while about 40 percent of the general population reaches this milestone. She says that current and former foster youth often have complicated histories in the educational system.
“The transition into adulthood is disorienting for many college-aged students, but this is particularly true for foster youth. As they exit the foster care system between the ages of 18-21, they must learn to be selfsufficient without the safety net of family support,” said Keesey.
Foster youth entering adulthood need to forge a path toward finding where to live, figuring out how to provide and prepare food for themselves, how to locate and access physical and mental health care services, and more. For those who plan to continue their education, they need to accomplish these milestones while also navigating the complexity of college life.
“It’s hard to invest in long-term academic and career success when your basic needs are not met in the moment,” said Keesey.
The goal of the START+NextUp program is to guide students throughout their journey at DVC, from the moment they first step foot on campus until they walk across the graduation stage.
“The START+NextUp program exists to show current and former foster youth they belong in college, that there is a home for them at DVC, and they can be successful here and beyond,” said Dr. Rachel Luna, the senior program manager for foster youth services and other programs serving students with social service needs at DVC.
The support of foster youth is an institution-wide priority at DVC through the college’s Student Equity Plan (SEP). The plan is updated every three years with initiatives that advance inclusive excellence.
The SEP for 2022-2025 focuses on Black/African American students and foster youth, two groups of students who disproportionately experience barriers to educational achievement.
“DVC has embraced a ‘culture of care’ in the way that we support marginalized students, and everyone has a role in these efforts,” said Luna.
Keesey agrees, noting that foster youth have been robbed of their power. DVC helps to restore that power.
“Major life decisions have been made for them by the courts, social workers, and other well-meaning social service advocates. When foster youth age out of the system, there is a sudden shift in power and expectations. We help educate students so they can be empowered to advocate for themselves,” said Keesey.
If you are a current or former foster youth, you’re eligible for specialized support services under one of two programs - check to see which program you qualify for:
Must be under age 26 when you apply;
Must have spent at least one day in foster care after age 13
Must be over age 26 when you apply OR must have spent at least one day in foster care before age 13
Serves all current or former foster youth not covered by NextUp
While START+NextUp students are at DVC, they also have numerous opportunities to prepare for life after graduation.
“We host workshops and a podcast that provides career-related information. We help students apply for federal work-study opportunities and encourage them to attend
Home base community on campus
Wrap around support from enrollment to graduation
Guidance from dedicated staff, counselors, and peers
Maximize financial aid eligibility (FAFSA, Chafee, grants, and scholarships)
Access to emergency grants (based on funding)
Priority registration
Social events, trips, and workshops that promote academic, career and personal growth
Connection to resources based on your unique needs
Recognition and celebration of educational milestones
Leadership and networking opportunities
Graduation regalia (cap, gown, and program stole)
Care packages - birthdays, special events, learning themes, etc.
Semester supply kits
the annual DVC Career Fair. Most importantly, we help students build confidence and interpersonal skills, which are critical in the world of work,” said Keesey.
The START+NextUp program has shown significant success. Prior to the launch of NextUp, approximately 66 percent of the current or former foster youth enrolled at DVC would return to school the
following semester. But just one year after launch, the retention rate for participating NextUp students increased to 94 percent. Keesey also notes that 85 percent of program participants have achieved satisfactory standing and/or have received academic honors.
“Icame to DVC with a lot of barriers that might have prevented me from going back to school. But thanks to the support I’ve received, I found ways to make it possible,” said Tara Lanoie.
A single parent with two daughters, Lanoie chose DVC to take steps towards a career in social work. She enrolled in DVC’s addiction studies program and will also earn an associate in arts for transfer (AD-T/ AA-T) in psychology.
“Being in recovery myself, the addiction studies program gives me an opportunity to give back.
During the pandemic, I enrolled in online classes to fulfill my dream of going back to school. But it can be challenging to go to school, work and manage a household, while keeping mental health in check,” said Lanoie.
Lanoie is aware that parents sometimes must miss school due to their children getting sick or withdraw from classes if they lose their childcare. She credits DVC and some key programs for helping fill in some of the gaps.
“As a student parent, I can get priority registration to let me choose classes to fit my schedule. Through the CalWORKs program, I receive transportation support, and financial assistance with books and supplies. The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program provides supply kits, community
support, tutoring, and community events. CalWORKs pays for my childcare so I can go to work and school. Through the Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program, I receive study time childcare grants that help me to pay the out-of-pocket expenses of childcare and food for my family as well,” said Lanoie.
Lanoie is a peer advisor for the EOPS program. This not only enables her to share her knowledge with other student parents; it also enables her to have valuable experience she can apply towards her academic and career goals.
“I plan to transfer to Cal State East Bay to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and continue on to earn a master’s in social work. I would like to work with families and at-risk youth,” said Lanoie.
Lanoie strongly encourages parents interested in continuing their education to consider DVC.
“I truly feel that without the support I received at DVC, being a college student would not have been possible. Don’t let fear stop you from being the best you. You belong at DVC, and it is so worth it,” said Lanoie.
“Community colleges attract a variety of students at different stages of life. Many students at DVC are adult learners who are also parents,” said Dr. Emily Stone, the dean of counseling and student success programs.
Stone understands that finding a sense of community and belonging are key to academic success. This is
especially true for student parents, who may be starting college for the first time, or may be re-entering college later in life.
“Peer connections with students on a similar path are incredibly important for student parent success and retention. DVC offers a variety of programs and services to support student parents,” said Stone.
Another way DVC is supporting students with children is by allowing them to register for classes earlier. This is due to new California legislation that added student parents to the first group of priority course registrants at community colleges.
“This benefit is extremely valuable to parents, as they have unique scheduling needs, including coordinating classes with their working hours, childcare, and other commitments that make attending school a challenge,” said Gabe Harven, the director of admissions and records at DVC.
DVC course schedules are available a year in advance, enabling students to map out their education plan. Programs and services that can provide support to student parents include:
Priority registration - ensures that student parents can enroll in classes that fit their schedule
CalWORKs - supports low-income students who are receiving County cash aid with transportation assistance, childcare assistance, textbooks, school supplies, job development resources, specialized counseling, workshops and events, and more
EOPS - provides comprehensive retention and support services to low-income and economically disadvantaged students
CARE program - supports lowincome single parents through additional grants, school supplies, and more
Children’s clothing swap/clothing closet - enables parents to share and swap clothing their children have outgrown
Referrals to other campus resources including the DVC Children’s Center, DVC Food Pantry, CalFresh, Fresh Success, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, SparkPoint Financial Coaching, and more.
If you are a full-time student at DVC, your tuition can be free for up to two academic years. To qualify:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the current academic year.
Enroll in a minimum of 12 units per semester.
Be a California resident or otherwise exempt from paying non-resident tuition fees.
Stone is also excited to announce the addition of Mamava lactation pods for both DVC Pleasant Hill and DVC San Ramon. Lactation pods provide private spaces for breastfeeding parents.
“Students interested in using the lactation pods can register through an app, and then access the pods with a unique code provided to them. Our lactation pods are ADAaccessible and offer an innovative way to meet the unique needs of student parents,” said Stone.
Stone also reports that DVC is expanding the number of restrooms with changing tables. This initiative, as well as the lactation pods, are made possible with Basic Needs funding.
Jacquelyn Martinez had been a stayat-home parent while her husband worked as a security guard. She wanted to start working when her youngest child started school, but she wanted to gain additional skills to begin a career in business administration. She decided to enroll in online classes.
“Unfortunately, my husband is no longer working due to being disabled from a back injury. Ever since that happened, I have been attending school and working on campus,” said Martinez.
Like Tara Lanoie, Martinez had to overcome challenges she experienced as a student parent.
“Finding a balance between family life and school while also finding time to study wasn’t easy. COVID was a huge challenge because I pretty much had to homeschool my children while attending school
Students do not need to demonstrate financial need to qualify. Participants still need to pay for books, supplies and/or any materials fees required by their classes.
online and working from home myself,” said Martinez.
Martinez feels that the support she’s received from DVC has been instrumental in helping her to achieve success. She has benefitted from priority registration, academic advising and counseling, financial assistance from CalWORKs, and childcare through the DVC Children’s Center Lab School.
In May 2022, Martinez graduated from DVC with her associate degree in business, as well as a certificate of achievement in advanced general business, and certificates of accomplishment in management and leadership studies and small business management/entrepreneurship. She is currently working towards a certificate of achievement in computer information scienceproject management. While at DVC, Martinez applies her newly learned business skills on the job.
“I worked in the DVC Applied and Fine Arts Division Office alongside the administrative assistant to the dean for over two years. I also captioned videos for the hearing impaired, and I’m now working at the DVC Children’s Center,” said Martinez.
Martinez understands that parents sometimes wonder if they will be able to successfully manage family responsibilities while attending school. She knows from her own personal experience that it is possible to do so.
“You can accomplish what you want in life while also teaching your children that it’s never too late to further your education and achieve your dreams,” said Martinez.
For more information, visit www.dvc.edu/student-parents
Shawn Kosmakos
“I
express myself creatively through film. When I was growing up, I had a hard time focusing on subjects I had no interest in. At DVC, I was able to enroll in the classes needed to pursue my career. I spent less than $1,000 and left knowing everything I needed to know,” said Shawn Kosmakos.
Kosmakos enrolled in DVC’s film, television, and electronic media (FTVE) program, where he earned a certificate of accomplishment in television arts – studio production.
During his time at DVC, Kosmakos made industry connections that helped him gain experience in his field. He has edited micro content and engaged in visual effects work for Guerilla Wanderers, and was a lead colorist for Farallon Creative. He also launched his own studio, Prominyo.
“I shot my first feature-length film, Vigilante Justice, with a crew I met in classes at DVC. A year later, we started shooting A Film by Cool Jake with much of the same crew, as well as members of the Las Positas College film program,” said Kosmakos.
Matt Townley is the co-founder and executive producer with Gorilla Creative, a full-service video production studio, and a DVC alum. He knows first-hand how DVC can make an impact for both students and area employers.
“My first encounter with DVC was during high school when I enrolled in college classes to graduate early. After graduating high school, I continued taking DVC classes while working,” said Townley.
As an industry partner, guest speaker, mock interviewer, and FTVE advisory board member, Townley feels it’s essential that students enrolled in creative classes attain the skills employers are seeking.
“Students often feel there is a disconnect between classroom learning and the skills needed on the job. This can contribute to a lack of motivation, not to mention the
actual skills gap it creates. The more we can close the gap, the better,” said Townley.
This perception of a disconnect is often shared by employers. A 2022 Harvard Business School study found that just 26 percent of employers strongly agreed that community colleges produce work-ready employees.
But this same study also indicated that nearly two-thirds of the employers surveyed had taken no action to collaborate with community colleges. As such, the employers were not able to fully assess the accuracy of their assumptions. This means they may have been overlooking the community college talent pipeline due to unfounded reputational bias. The lack of employer engagement is also a disadvantage for a generation of students who could benefit from early exposure to industry insights, mentorship and more.
In a Fast Company article about the study, Harvard Business School’s Joseph Fuller recommends that employers contribute to developing the curriculum and programs needed to produce the skilled employees they need. This is exactly what DVC has been doing for many years through advisory boards associated with its academic programs.
By becoming a member of the FTVE advisory board, Townley knew he would have a hand in shaping the local talent pool, which he knew would benefit his business.
“As someone who depends on freelancers to run and grow our business, having an opportunity to meet students who I know are getting trained with the skills we need gives us an advantage,” said Townley.
Townley is aware that not all careers require a bachelor’s degree –especially creative careers that focus on artistic talent and specific skills.
“I look at education through the lens of a cost-benefit analysis. For students eyeing a creative career, there’s immense value in the focused, practical training that DVC offers,” said Townley.
Sahra Bhimji, professor of film production for DVC, agrees. She notes that FTVE’s industry partners often express how impressed they are with DVC’s resources.
“I think sometimes there is an assumption that community college
students lack access to ‘real’ equipment. But when they see our digital cameras, our state-of-theart production studio, and our new computer labs, a lot of them say, ‘Gee, I should’ve gone to DVC,’” said Bhimji.
For more information, visit www.dvc.edu/ftve
DVC students meet local workforce needs
DVC’s dental programs are renowned throughout the Bay Area and beyond, with graduates who are sought-after by dental practices.
“Over the past 10 years in dentistry, assistants have been hard to find across the country. DVC dental programs fill a vital role by providing highly trained, job-ready candidates,” said Dr. Don Schmitt, pediatric dentist and owner of Schmitt & Saini Pediatric Dentistry.
Schmitt’s practice has partnered with DVC for over 30 years, hosting dental assistant students and referring their assistants to DVC’s dental hygiene program. Schmitt also serves on DVC’s dental advisory board.
“In the past, we have partnered with other schools, but we had to stop because those students were not trained to anywhere near the high standards set by DVC,” said Schmitt.
kinesiology from Cal State East Bay. She then returned to DVC and graduated with her associate in science in dental hygiene in May 2024.
“What I loved most about the dental hygiene program is the community it creates. My classmates, professors, and the clinic office staff made the experience so memorable,” said Pittam.
Like Alemania, Pittam has found the hands-on experience to be one of the most exciting aspects of the program.
“For two years, we can gain invaluable experience at the clinic, under the supervision of our professors. We help our local community with low-cost dental cleanings while we work towards becoming the strong dental hygienists we will be! We also volunteer at OLE Health Clinic in Napa for six weeks, which provides a realistic experience of what it will be like working in a private practice setting,” said Pittam.
dental services to underserved populations in Contra Costa County,” said Tonette Steeb, the director of dental hygiene at DVC.
For more information, visit www.dvc.edu/dental-assisting www.dvc.edu/dental-hygiene
Industry partners make the difference
Herbert Lee is a long-time partner with DVC’s business administration program. He has participated on speaker panels and is a member of their advisory board. He has also hired DVC students as interns when he was the executive director of Neto Community Network, a nonprofit focused on raising economic, health, educational, and social equity in the local community.
“DVC student interns have a lot of raw energy and are always eager to learn and grow. They were more like team members than interns, and represented our organization out to the community,” said Lee.
Mischa Alemania completed an associate in science and certificate of achievement in dental assisting in May 2024. She chose DVC’s program because she heard positive feedback from dental alumni and professionals.
“The DVC dental programs prepare you well for your future in dentistry. The professors are extremely supportive,” said Alemania.
Alemania enjoyed the hands-on training she received, both within the DVC program and through her externship.
“I’ve been able to gain experience as well as get connected with professionals in the dental field. Being around people who have been in your shoes and have succeeded is a great way to accumulate knowledge and access varying perspectives,” said Alemania.
Colleen Shipp, the dental assisting program director at DVC, notes that she receives multiple calls daily from dentists interested in hiring dental assistant graduates.
“Our students can work for a community dentist while enrolled and complete a paid externship, enabling them to be paid during the program,” said Shipp.
Marcella Pittam earned an associate in science in kinesiology from DVC and a bachelor’s degree in
In addition to OLE Health, the dental hygiene program partners with several other dental offices.
“Pacific Dental Services sponsors a hygienist-in-training program that provides dental hygiene students an opportunity to work in a dental office prior to licensure. We also partner with Contra Costa Public Health’s Give Kids a Smile program, as well as Dentists on Wheels, an organization that provides free
Lee wants to help young people reach their potential, enabling them to achieve their goals while giving back to their community.
“I want them to work here, live here, raise families here, and support the local economy,” said Lee.
One way that Lee has taken steps towards this goal is by serving
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as a mentor and guest judge at DVC’s annual Piranha Pool Pitch Competition, an event modeled after the popular TV show, Shark Tank
“The Piranha Pool Pitch Competition was one of the most influential events in my academic career. I worked with my teammates and my mentor, Herbert Lee, to develop a business plan related to my idea of developing facemasks that are completely biodegradable,” said Jordan Shinn.
Shinn came up with his product idea due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone was wearing masks. He was concerned that millions of facemasks were being discarded, knowing that they could last hundreds of years before biodegrading.
Shinn and his team performed their pitch during the competition and were proud to be awarded second place out of the eighteen teams that participated.
“This experience completely changed my life. I learned that I had a love for business formulation and management, and a mentor who continued to support me after the competition,” said Shinn.
Shinn earned his associate in science in business administration from DVC, and then transferred to St. Mary’s College of California, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with his bachelor of science in business administration.
While at St. Mary’s, he also mentored a student team competing in the Piranha Pool Pitch Competition at DVC. He relied on his competition and mentoring experience when applying for an internship with Gallagher Insurance Brokerage, a company that offers one of the top sales summer internships in the country.
“During my interviews, I led with my experience with the DVC Piranha Pool Pitch Competition, and how that experience taught me how to work efficiently in a team environment, while developing my
love and enthusiasm for a career in business,” said Shinn.
Shinn is thrilled that he not only was offered the internship, but that he was able to continue as a full-time employee at the end of the summer.
“I would not be in the position I am today without DVC and the Piranha Pool Pitch Competition. I used the skills, experience, and education that I received from DVC to earn admission to a great college, earn an internship, and obtain a full-time job that provides for me and makes me feel fulfilled every day,” said Shinn.
Share Your Story in Honor of
DVC is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year! We have much in store to honor this amazing milestone in higher education, industry partnerships, workforce development, and community investment. Help us recognize DVC’s impact on you, your family, and/or your business by sharing your alumni story – simply scan the QR code to get started!
