Current Students

Put yourself ahead of the crowd with Cerro Coso’s new Spanish Language Program!

Cerro Coso Community College is offering a new Spanish Associate of Arts Transfer degree (A.A.-T). The A.A.-T degree offers students the opportunity to complete a two-year degree with course credits that allow them to transfer as a junior to designated Spanish bachelor’s degree programs at California State universities and gives priority admission consideration to the local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to the community college major.

The Spanish AA-T degree offers two tracks to choose from one for Non-Heritage Speakers and another for Heritage Speakers both, guarantee acceptance to the CSU system. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.

This program of study prepares students for transfer to the CSU system to earn a baccalaureate in Spanish language, linguistics, literature, culture, and translation. Provides students with a strong foundation in fundamental language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) and a better understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

The Associate of Arts in Spanish for Transfer degree also serves as supplementary preparation for diverse professional fields such as healthcare, the legal system, social work, business, customer service, public relations, journalism, hospitality, travel industry, bilingual education, translation and interpretation, and non-profit organizations. “Employers are seeking marketable skills that help them expand their reach and students can be a leader with an AA-T degree in Spanish,” said Spanish Professor Lucila Gonzalez-Cirre.

The English and Foreign Language department at Cerro Coso offers a rich selection of lower-division courses, from beginning to conversational to Intermediate Spanish. Experienced instructors lead students to a valuable level of proficiency and cultural understanding in a stimulating and supportive environment. Learning is enhanced through a communicative approach, multimedia technology, and enriched by the International and Latino clubs at the college.

Learning Spanish not only provides practical life and career skills but also gives new perspectives on the world. Students can use their coursework to satisfy electives and program requirements, cultivate personal interest, and continue on to major or minor in Spanish at a four-year college or university. All classes are taught online and at the Ridgecrest campus. Vaccination or exemption required for on-campus classes. Find out more at www.cerrocoso.edu.

Cerro Coso Community College – Your Hometown College!

 

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Originally from the beautiful foothill community of Sonora, California, new English Professor Debilyn Kinzler is very excited about her new position at Cerro Coso working for the English and Foreign Language Department. 

A self-confessed “college dropout” Debilyn says she got serious about college when her second daughter was 17 and applying for colleges, she asked Debilyn, “When you were little, what did you want to be?” Debilyn replied “a college professor.” “You know you still can, don’t you?” said her daughter. Inspired by her daughter’s confidence in her, Debilyn enrolled in Los Angeles Pierce College, and then transferred to Cal State Northridge where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. 

“I often say that it took me 25 years to graduate with a four-year degree but what I learned from doing it this way is that it’s never too late to continue learning.” 

ow holds an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Los Angeles Pierce College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing from Cal State Northridge, a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Cal State Northridge, and currently a Doctoral student of English Literature with a concentration in American Studies from Claremont Graduate University. 

“After I completed my Master’s,” said Debilyn “I knew I wanted to give back to the community that helped me, so I returned to the community college environment as an adjunct instructor at a variety of schools: Ventura College, Santa Barbara College, Santa Monica College, and finally Bakersfield College. At BC, I connected with the mission and student-centered approach of the schools within the Kern Community College District and was thrilled at the opportunity afforded by Cerro Coso. Plus, my affinity for the Ridgecrest community after years of coming to the IWV to enjoy the endless off-road trails made the decision to come to Cerro Coso a no-brainer and I am thrilled that the Cerro Coso community is my new forever home.” 

Debilyn has been married to husband Steven for 31 years and together the two have two daughters, two sons, four dogs, two turtles, and two snakes. She loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, dirt bike riding, though her off-road vehicle has four wheels, the rest of the family’s have two.

Congratulations Debilyn on making her dreams of being a college professor come true! 

Cerro Coso thrilled to welcome Debilyn to the CCCC family. 

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

June Wasserman (center) Scholarship Committee Chairwoman of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, presented Jan Hoagland Vocational Nursing Scholarships to Cerro Coso nursing students (pictured l to r) Jesseca Ledet, Lakana Panergo, Pink Ladies Scholarship Committee Chairwoman June Wasserman, Ladaija Baker, and Intissar Awad.

These graduating Cerro Coso Community College vocational nursing students each received a $400 check from the Pink Ladies Auxiliary. “We only wish we could have awarded one to every nursing student,” said Wasserman.

Founded by Jan Hoagland in 1958, the Pink Ladies Auxiliary raises money to fund these scholarships. Their efforts support Ridgecrest Regional Hospital’s mission to provide outstanding healthcare in our community.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Coyote Howler - December 2021

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Make watching holiday movies in a gym environment a new holiday tradition for your family. The Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) is hosting a viewing of The Santa Clause on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 7 p.m. in the college gymnasium. 

Bring your family and enjoy an evening of holiday magic for FREE.

Bring your children and let them write a letter to Santa Clause at 6 p.m. followed by a personal viewing of the 1994 movie The Santa Clause in the gym. In a bizarre twist of fate, a divorced dad is transformed into the new Santa. 

Superstar comedian Tim Allen shines bright in Disney’s magical, larger-than-life hit comedy The Santa Clause. On Christmas Eve, divorced dad Scott Calvin and his son discover Santa Clause has fallen off their room. When Scott takes the reins of the magical sleigh, he finds he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself. Rated PG.

Guests may sit in the bleachers or bring blankets to sit on the basketball court. No outside seating will be allowed. 

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ALL PERSONS ENTERING THE GYM FACILITY ARE REQUIRED TO BE FULLY VACCINATED AND WEAR A FACE COVERING

Pursuant to the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Kern Community College District (KCCD) passed on August 12, 2021, all visitors to the facilities of KCCD are required to be fully vaccinated before entering the facilities. All visitors are also required to wear a suitable face covering while visiting KCCD facilities.

By entering KCCD facilities you are attesting to KCCD that you are fully vaccinated. If you enter the facilities in violation of the vaccination requirement and/or fail to wear a suitable face covering you may be expelled from the event that you are attending without refund by KCCD and you may face loss of future entry privileges to KCCD facilities.

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If you have any questions or require a medical or religious exemption from the vaccine requirement please contact cc_covid19@listserv.cerrocoso.edu prior to accessing KCCD facilities.

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Cerro Coso Community College welcomes new Associate Professor of Nursing Lisa Balk to the college.  

Born in Maryland, Balk a military wife, has lived the military life and spent time in San Diego, Rhode Island, and Maryland when her husband was active-duty Navy. 

She moved to Ridgecrest in 2016 when her husband took a job at China Lake. 

Balk has a real heart for animals and worked many years as a veterinary assistant while pursuing a career in nursing. “I have had a wide variety of nursing positions but always loved the teaching aspects of each,” she said. “In Maryland, I taught in an Associate of Nursing program at the community college where I took my prerequisites for my bachelor’s degree.” 

Balk and her husband have a son that lives and works in Ridgecrest and a daughter in the Los Angeles area training horses. She has two rescue cats, enjoys working with the Guide Dogs for the Blind, and is currently raising her fourth puppy. He accompanies her to work at the college some days, enjoying all that the campus has to offer. 

Balk holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Stevenson University, and a Master’s of Science in Health Science, Leadership and Management with an Education Focus from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Welcome, Lisa! 

Cerro Coso’s Vocational Nursing Program is an intensive program totaling 1,662 hours which prepares students to take the licensure examination provided by the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCLEX-PN). Approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, the college offers two Vocational Nursing pathways a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate in Science Degree. 

Nurses are in high demand and job opportunities for nurses vary widely. Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Sept 21. About 60,700 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Now registering for spring 2022 classes, all those interested in a career in nursing are encouraged to contact the College Counseling Department at 760-384-6219 in Ridgecrest or 760-872-1565 in Bishop.

Cerro Coso Community College – Your Hometown College!

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The Cerro Coso college campuses will be closed over the Thanksgiving holiday, November 25 & 26.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso Community College is hosting a virtual Dual and Concurrent Programs Workshop for parents of high school students on Tuesday, November 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

If you are the parent of a junior or senior in high school, find out how your student can get a head start in earning college credits before they leave high school, ultimately making their college experience more affordable, efficient, and enriching.

Cerro Coso Community College offers dual and concurrent enrollment classes for high school students throughout its service area.

Find out more about both programs, processes, and how they can benefit your high school student’s future.

Parents are being asked to pre-register for the Zoom workshop at www.cerrocoso.edu.

For more information contact the College Outreach Office at 760-384-6219 or email outreach@cerrocoso.edu.

Cerro Coso is now holding priority registration for spring 2022 classes. 

Cerro Coso Community College – Your Hometown College

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In honor of all veterans and military and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, Cerro Coso’s Military and Veterans Services will be kicking off a week of celebration with a Flag Raising ceremony at the Ridgecrest Campus at the flag pole at the main entrance on Monday, November 8th from 9 to 9:30 a.m.

The community is invited, especially veterans from all branches of the armed services.

Guest speakers will include Retired Naval Officer and KCCD Trustee Jack Connell, Mayor and Cerro Coso alum Eric Bruen, and college president Dr. Sean Hancock.

Other activities include a virtual Wall of Courage available at www.cerrocoso.edu/courage. The Wall of Courage is also on display in the Student Center for the entire month of November. A Veterans Day BBQ lunch Celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 10th from 12:30 to 1:30 on the Front Lawn of the LRC for staff and students.

The College will be CLOSED in observance of the Veterans Day holiday on Thursday, November 11, 2021 to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Coyote Howler - November 2021

View on the Cerro Coso College website.