Future Students

February Student Spotlight on Mikailey, class of 2022!

Mikailey is a recent graduate of Cerro Coso who was accepted at California State University Northridge, class of 2025, where she is a Kinesiology Major! While at Cerro Coso Tehachapi, Mikailey received two AA degrees: one AA-T in Art History and one AA in Liberal Arts and Humanities. While a student at CC, she worked as an English tutor. We caught up with Mikailey to ask about her time being a student at Cerro Coso and what her future holds: a career in medicine.

“I started Cerro Coso classes when I was 14. I actually started the summer before I began high school. My first class was an ASL C101 class, and I fell in love with learning at the college level. Being surrounded by adults who were working jobs and managing families gave me a huge appreciation for education. I grew not only as a student but as a person as well. Trying to juggle high school, college, extracurriculars, family, and friends wasn’t easy, but it taught me grit and determination.”

“Just before my final semester at CC, I was asked to be a tutor for two English C102 classes. This completely shifted my perspective as a student. For me, being a tutor made me view school from a totally different angle. I was no longer just learning topics myself, but I was breaking down information to help someone else understand. It was a massive learning curve, but I loved every minute of being a tutor and was very sad to leave the job. I graduated CC at 18 years old, with two AA degrees. I actually graduated CC one month before I graduated high school! I almost started crying multiple times at graduation because I just couldn’t believe that I had made it. It all seemed so far away until I was walking across the stage and moving the tassel on my cap.”

What interests you about your Kinesiology Major?

“I decided senior year that I wanted to work in the medical field. Kinesiology is a difficult degree about anatomy and the human body. I like it because it’s not only about the science of the human body but also about how it moves and operates. I believed this would be the best, most well-rounded degree to have in order to continue in medicine.”

What do you want to do your Masters in?

“I’d like to get my Masters in Physician’s Assistant Studies and work in a hospital. I’m interested in many areas: Pediatric Unit, NICU, and Cardiac Unit. It’s three years of a Masters program and then you can go straight to working! I think I would be well-suited in a career as a PA.”

Is your family in the medical field?

“No, I’m actually the first to go into it. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a heart condition. Luckily, they found it to be mild, but it was still a very eye-opening experience for me. I was helped by many medical professionals who were telling me, “Okay, this is what is happening. And this is what we’re going to do about it.” It was so reassuring and amazing to me how helpful, competent, and certain they were. That’s when I decided, “I wanted to be like that and help people too.” I would say this is what turned me onto the medical field.”

Who would you like to give a shoutout to at Cerro Coso?

“My first shoutout would be to Mrs. Hess, my very first community college instructor, whose classes made me want to continue my community college journey. My second would be to Professor Swiridoff for not only being one of my favorite professors in my educational career, but also trusting me to be her English C102 tutor. I also don’t know where I would be without my mom and sister. They celebrated every win and were there any time I needed support.”

What words of wisdom do you have for new and current Cerro Coso students?

“You can do it! Seriously, it seems so hard, and there will definitely be those hard moments, but I promise that it is all worth it. Cerro Coso students are some of the most dedicated people I know, and they support each other so much. Self-doubt is absolutely real, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Go at your own pace and don’t judge yourself for learning at your own speed. Professors and tutors are there every step of the way and don’t be hesitant to reach out. From personal experience, professors actually really like it when students stop by and ask questions! It might seem like a long road, but time sneaks up so quickly!”

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

The traditional 16-week semester is underway, but we know that with busy schedules you could use some additional choices. Please know that Cerro Coso is offering a number of late start classes beginning in February and running a variety of lengths.

It is not too late for you to enroll in spring classes!

This table provides a list of late start classes.

OPEN: section is open and class has not started. All classes listed below are OPEN, unless otherwise noted.
CLOSED: section is closed and waitlist is not available.
WAITLIST: section is closed but seats are available on the waitlist.
Restricted: section is closed and/or special approval is needed; contact the department.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Caption: Students enjoying spring 2023 back-to-school lunch.

Cheers to new beginnings! A new year and a new semester starts!

The Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) hosted a Back-to-School lunch for fellow students and employees on Thursday, January 26^th in the LRC at the Ridgecrest Campus.

It was a great chance for students, faculty, and colleagues to meet and great... and eat! Student Julianna Gorduyn, event coordinator and communications officer for the SGCC, coordinated the lunch that included great food from the local restaurant Casa Corona.

Julianna expresses “I put a lot of effort into these events, and I love the outcome of blessing Cerro Coso.” SGCC’s third event this year…great job, Student Government!

SGCC events are an important part of what makes Cerro Coso, Cerro Coso! SGCC gives students an opportunity to develop leadership by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects. In addition to planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare, SGCC is the voice of the student body.

Thank you to the Student Government of Cerro Coso! Your events and actions help create a welcoming culture at Cerro Coso.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso Community College, in partnership with a grant from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Foundation for Community Colleges, is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity available for students enrolled in Information Technology or Cyber Security programs. The scholarship aims to financially assist students in pursuing advanced skills in cloud computing.

In fall 2022, Cerro Coso was awarded $3,500 to distribute to eligible scholarship applicants. Six students were selected to receive the award, with amounts ranging from $500 to $750.

For spring 2023, Cerro Coso was selected to receive an increase in funding due to the Information Technology and Cyber Security programs’ current success and enrollment growth. Cerro Coso is excited to announce that it is able to award up to $29,000 this semester to eligible applicants! This is a tremendous increase and gives the college the ability to support more students pursuing these degree pathways.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least one of the Information Technology courses this spring, which includes: IT C101, IT C142, IT C143, IT C251, or IT C282X. Courses start on January 17th, with an additional late-start course for IT C101 beginning on February 13th. Students must have completed a general financial aid application through FAFSA or CADAA and be experiencing circumstances that demonstrate financial need.

In addition to the AWS Scholarship, Cerro Coso is able to offer a Test Out Award for the spring semester. This award is available to students enrolled in Information Technology courses IT C142, IT C143, or IT C146. Test Out is required course material that students typically purchase on their own. This award would provide students with a voucher to receive the materials for free (estimated $109 value). This award is not dependent on financial need. Awards will be granted on a first-come-first-serve basis for students that apply and are declared majors related to Information Technology.

Interested applicants can apply for either of these awards through the Scholarships page on the Cerro Coso website at www.cerrocoso.edu/scholarships. The Test Out and AWS scholarship forms are found on the “outside scholarships” tab. The initial review date for the Test Out scholarship is January 13th and the deadline to apply for the AWS scholarship is January 31st. For more information on either of these scholarships, you can contact the Career Technical Education department by emailing cte@cerrocoso.edu.

We encourage eligible applicants to take advantage of this awesome scholarship opportunity!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

December Student Spotlight on Jocelyn, class of 2023!

Meet an enthusiastic and friendly member of the Cerro Coso Tehachapi campus: Jocelyn! She will graduate in the Spring of 2023 with three degrees: an AA-T in Psychology, an AA in Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities, and an AA in Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences. She recently applied to a few colleges and hopes to transfer to her #1 choice: California State University, Monterey Bay as a Psychology Major! Jocelyn earns money as a student worker at Cerro Coso, and also volunteers in the Promise Program, a scholarship program at Cerro Coso. Jocelyn has this to say about her Cerro Coso experience:

“When I first started at Cerro Coso in Tehachapi, I tried to work full-time AND go to school, but I couldn’t keep up! I quit working and focused on just studying. Then last year, I felt ready to work again. I heard from my brother, who went to Cal State Chico, about being a student worker. Once I started doing that, it’s worked out really well, because the school is flexible with my class schedule.”

“Cerro Coso allowed me to explore my career options without financial pressure or racking up debt. At first, I wanted to do Early Childhood Education, but after taking some classes, I realized it wasn’t for me. I went on and tried different subjects, but when I took my first Psychology class, it really clicked for me! I realized I still wanted to be in a school environment, but not necessarily teaching.”

"Cerro Coso gives you a good idea of what a university will be like. You know, it’s like baby steps going from high school, then to community college, then on to a state university. CC gives you that time to figure out what you wanna do, and what you want to be, when it’s time for you to move on to university.”

“For me personally, I had to do online school for three years because the pandemic started when I was in the middle of high school. Because I was excelling, I decided to graduate from Tehachapi High School a year early and start at Cerro Coso. CC helped me get used to a college workload of homework and studying. And once school started in-person again, it gave me time to get used to that as well.”

“Because I graduated early from high school, the majority of my friends were still in high school. Luckily, because the class sizes are small at Cerro Coso Tehachapi, it was easy for me to meet people and make great friends in my college classes. It’s really nice and important to have friends who understand the workload and the busy schedule, because we’re all in the same boat as working college students.”

“I’d like to give a shout-out to Karee Hamilton, my counselor, and Heather Bopp for helping me get into the Promise Program. They’ve been very helpful to me and my classmates. I’d also like to show appreciation to my Mom! She’s very understanding and supportive of my education. I’m really hard on myself, and she always assures me that I’m doing the best I can.”

Jocelyn has these words of wisdom for new and current students:

“My main advice is make connections with students and faculty, because when I was in high school, it was drilled into me that college professors don’t care as much. When I started at Cerro Coso, I didn’t ask for help in the beginning, thinking, “I’m an adult and they won’t help me," but it’s not like that at all! It’s such a tight and close community here in Tehachapi, so they really do want you to succeed. In the time I’ve been here, I’ve seen how professors and staff take the time to help all students succeed.”

“Don’t be shy, ask for help! Know that it’s okay to take your time and explore your options, because that’s what community college is for. It’s trial and error: find what works with your schedule, and what your priorities are. You may pursue a subject that you find you don’t enjoy, and then you’ll take other classes and realize that THIS is what I really want to do! Stay open, and good luck!”

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union is a long-time supporter of Cerro Coso Community College’s Foundation, and they recently donated four arcade game machines to the CCCC Foundation! These arcade games are four classics that would be seen in any arcade, bowling alley, or pizza parlor. The free arcade games, The Simpsons, Mortal Combat, Marvel Superheroes, and Teenage Ninja Turtles, are conveniently located in the Student Center of the IWV Cerro Coso campus. The perfect place to wind down and get your gaming on!

Whether students or staff are taking a study break, on their lunch, or in between classes, the arcade machines will be used and enjoyed! It is safe to say most Cerro Coso staff members feel the same way; Cerro Coso staff member Addy Windsor states, “the games in the student center are great- perfect for students to enjoy between classes and fun for the staff too!” According to Cornell health, it is crucial students take a break from studying “to refresh brain energy, productivity, and ability to focus,” and these new arcade additions to the CC Student Center are a great way to take a break!

Thank you so much to Desert Valley Federal Credit Union! We thank you for your continuous support of Cerro Coso Community College.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso Community College to offer Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy in Ridgecrest this spring.

If you’re interested in starting a career in law enforcement, Cerro Coso’s Modular P.O.S.T. Academy is an excellent option.

Cerro Coso’s Peace Officer Academy is approved by the California Commission on Peace officer Standards and Training, the academy offers an array of training options to meet the diverse needs of California’s law enforcement community.

Classes are held evenings and weekends for your convenience. Take Modules III and II and apply to be a Police Department Reserve Officer. Complete Module I and you will have completed a full police academy and could be eligible to be hired as a full-time officer.

P.O.S.T. Academy includes, Introduction to Law Enforcement, Administration of Justice, Criminal Law, Evidence, Community-Police Relations, Patrol Procedures, Juvenile Procedures, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, First Aid/CPR, Vehicle Operations Domestic Violence, and more!

The P.O.S.T. Academy Modular Level III will begin in January. Spaces are limited. More information available at www.cerrocoso.edu/academy

To apply, become a Cerro Coso student, register for two courses, and await application packet sent via mail.

For more information contact Academy Director Peter Fulks at peter.fulks@cerrocoso.edu.

Take flight with Cerro Coso this spring. Endless opportunities await.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso nursing students celebrated their completion of the program by participating in a Pinning and Capping Ceremony on the afternoon of Friday, December 9th.

The students lit lamps, recited pledges, and received caps and pins as symbols of their preparedness to serve as compassionate caregivers. Family and friends filled the College Lecture Center to witness the ceremony and support their loved ones as they celebrated the completion of the highly respected and rigorous vocational nursing program at CCCC.

The thirteen nursing students honored were: Shannon Davis, Dezerea Edulag, Natalie Grubbs, Crystal Hardison, Rana Khalifeh, Kylee Koch, Valerie Lucero, Dawnell McKnight, DeAnnaSamantha Mellor, Kyla Mercado, Esteffany Ponce, Sesli Watson, and TaMara Williams.

The capping and pinning ceremony signifies the official initiation into the brotherhood and sisterhood of nurses. It is a proud moment for the students as they are welcomed into the nursing profession.

“You have chosen an honorable profession. One that is demanding both psychologically and physically, and holds a lot of responsibility,” said Cerro Coso President Dr. Sean Hancock. “You may be sitting there thinking – I’m not prepared for what is next. I am here to assure you that you are. I have great confidence in the education you have received here at Cerro Coso,” he said. “I declare, you are well equipped to accept the challenges ahead. Whatever they may be.”

The next step for these students is to take the Nursing Certification Licensing Exam (NCLEX), and upon passage, the graduates will have earned the credential of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Caption: David Moelter and Frank Ortiz from RIDG Gaming, Jude Siracki, and Sam King earn bragging rights for RAW Media Pros for winning the corporate competition, Nick Wakley owner of RAW Media Pros, and CCCC Foundation Director and Event Chair Derrick Hu

Super Smash Bros. has evolved into an enduring fan favorite—one that has managed the neat trick of appealing to both the casual and hardcore fans—and proved the perfect game for the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation’s second Gaming Tournament held on Saturday, December 10, 2022. This year, the Foundation teamed up with experts RIDG gaming to hose the event. More than 62 players showed up to play in one or more of the individuals, under-ten, or corporate competitions.

The competition was fierce, with players of all ages who play in regular tournaments with esports professionals and with friends daily. Competitive as everyone was, it was all in good sportsmanship, which is important. As the remaining players dwindled, everyone gathered around to watch those who would come out on top.

Today’s top Smash Bros. players can perform feats that would seem impossible to mere mortals. In the end, after an entire day of battles it would be Jude Siracki, Orlando Mielke, and Matthew Raley who would take first, second, and third place respectively in the individuals’ competition. Team Raw Media, Auron Wakely took first place for the 10 and under competition, and RAW Media team of Sam King and Jude Siracki won the prize trophy in the sponsorship competition.

Following the success of the first Gaming Tournament, the CCCC Foundation hopes to hold another tournament in the spring. Moving on to their next event mark your calendars for a Promise Color Fun Run in April at the Ridgecrest Campus.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Higher education resource guide releases the best community colleges for 2023

Inteligent.com a trusted resource for program rankings and higher education planning, has included Cerro Coso Community College to its list of the Best Community Colleges in California in 2023. The research identifies top schools in the state based on tuition costs, the number of credits required to graduate, and the online coursework delivery format.

Intelligent.com implemented a unique methodology that ranks each institution on a scale from 0 to 100 across six categories. The scoring system compares each school to tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students.

Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income substantially, with graduates earning 84% more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as master's, doctoral or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.6% for those with a doctorate. To access the complete ranking, please visit www.intelligent.com/best-community-colleges/california/#cerro_coso_community_college

Cerro Coso Community College is one of three colleges in the Kern Community College District. The college is charged with the responsibility of providing educational opportunities for the widely separated desert, mountain, and valley communities within a sweeping 18,000-mile, four-county region of eastern California. Cerro Coso's service area includes a population base of just over 85,000 individuals. The college officially opened in the fall of 1973, and within the year began expanding its service area to include the present region. Cerro Coso, as an institution, has a long history of valuing students as individuals with unique capabilities and needs and a teaching-learning process that motivates students towards excellence.

Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides that include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships, and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit www.intelligent.com.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.