Access Programs did not let the hard work, determination, and perseverance to push through the challenging times go uncelebrated for their students.
Every year Cerro Coso celebrates the strong spirit and will to overcome of the students in Access Programs, but this year was slightly different.
With a theme of Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams, Access Programs held a Drive Thru Awards Ceremony on May 14th in the Gymnasium Parking Lot.
Adhering to all social distancing protocols, students stayed in their vehicles, while receiving a gift bag and sweets from one masked counselor wearing gloves, and their photos were taken from a distance.
Fifty Program students will graduate with Associate Degrees, and 24 with Certificates of Achievements this June.
Special recognition went to Renee Santamaria, Access Programs IWV Student of the Year; Colette “Coco” Nicod, Access Programs KRV Student of the Year; and Sharlene Paxton, outstanding Faculty of the Year.
“These are crazy times, but these students are truly inspiring and encouraging others to aspire to excellence,” said Pam Campbell, Access Program Director.
Access Programs at Cerro Coso Community College includes five state-funded programs dedicated to helping and assisting community college students who are faced with additional barriers in obtaining their education. The programs are Extended Opportunities Program and Services (EOPS), Cooperative Agency Resources for Education (CARE), Foster Youth (NextUp), Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS), and California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs).
Photo Caption: Access Program's IWV Student of the Year Renee Santamaria poses for a photo during the Drive-Thru Ceremony held on May 14th recognizing their persistence and achievements in pursuing their educations.
