Annual Report
The Contra Costa College Foundation is so excited to share our new annual report! Looking back over the last year, we have accomplished so much together with you. From providing internet access and laptops to expanding our Wrap-Around Fund, your support has allowed us to stay nimble and respond in real time to address students’ […]
Jalaal Dirbas Found the Best Version of Himself at CCC
Jalaal has pretty much always known about Contra Costa College (CCC). “Both of my older siblings went to Contra Costa and attended Middle College. There was also a program at my high school, De Anza, where students and reps from Contra Costa would visit and tell us about life and academics at CCC. They were […]
An Update on Fall Semester
At Contra Costa College (CCC), instructors and administrators are working hard this summer to plan the safest way to resume classes for the fall semester and beyond. Faculty and staff are researching best practices and emulating policies of other institutions to ensure student and staff safety. Given these are unprecedented times, CCC and 4CD District […]
For Peter Ligutan, Choosing CCC was the Right Decision
Like many CCC students, Peter Ligutan chose community college because of the cost. “I was enrolled in university, but I realized that it wasn’t practical,” explains Peter, “and that going to a community college was much more cost efficient. So I withdrew and enrolled at CCC.” At first, Peter wasn’t all that excited to start […]
How the CCC Foundation Cares: 120 Laptops Purchased for Students’ Remote Learning During Pandemic
On March 15, CCC’s campus was officially closed due to the rapid spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). All classes were converted into an online format so that students could continue their classes remotely. For many CCC students who rely on campus computer labs and library computers, access to computers is a huge issue. In a Zoom […]
In a Donor’s Words: An Interview with Contra Costa College Retiree Susan Lee
By Sara Marellino, CCC Foundation Dr. Lee, tell us about your history with Contra Costa College. I am very connected to Contra Costa College (CCC). I have lived in this community for 39 years, with 27 years of my professional life at CCC as faculty and as a dean. I essentially raised my kids here: […]
Akim Henderson Is Here for His Fellow Students
This isn’t the first time Akim Henderson has pursued higher education. In fact, Akim’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance. “I grew up with an absent father,” he recalls. “My mom was killed when I was 10. And, I have lived through gun violence and substance abuse.” “I went to Cal […]
Jeanelle Hope is a First-Generation Scholar
Even as a child, Jeanelle Hope loved history. “I enjoyed reading biographies, and learning about historical figures at an early age,” she remembers. “My aunt bought me this boxed set of biographies of African American figures. And, by the time I got to 9th or 10th grade, I realized that history was my favorite subject.” […]
Video Game Marketing Pro Cristian Cardona Learned a Lot at CCC
Cristian Cardona didn’t know what he wanted to do when he graduated from Richmond High School in 1996. But, he knew he didn’t want to spend a ton of money at a university while he tried to figure it out. So, he came to CCC, and earned an associate degree in liberal arts. That gave […]
CCC Taught Mauricio Flores the Value of an Education
Mauricio Flores is about to get his bachelor’s in cell, molecular and developmental biology at the University of California, Riverside. He’s currently fielding offers from employers and graduate schools. And, he says it’s his experience at Contra Costa College that makes him stand out among applicants. “It gave me a competitive edge to say I […]
Elisha Patterson Says ‘You’re Not Alone’ at CCC
For Elisha Patterson, CCC was a second chance and a transformative experience. Like about 30% of current CCC students, Elisha enrolled as an older, returning student. After high school, she felt she needed to focus on work. “In Richmond, I think we’re raised to do K through 12,” she explains, “but, also asked, ‘How are […]
Victor Bolan Jr. Came Back to Make a Difference
Victor Bolan Jr. was born and raised in Richmond. Like many of his peers, he came to Contra Costa College (CCC) after high school unsure of what path he wanted to take. “I was just doing small courses here and there,” Victor says. “Sometimes part-time, sometimes full-time. My courses were scattered. I had over 85 […]
New CCC Foundation Funds Back Campus Improvements, Student Support
You might notice a few interesting improvements around the Contra Costa College campus this year, like soundproofing of the tutoring area, and a new state-of-the-art drinking fountain in the Student Services Building. Those are just two of the eight projects being funded in 2019 through the Contra Costa College Foundation’s new Program Innovation Fund (PIF) and […]
Genirberg Family Scholarship Established with $50,000 Gift to CCC Foundation
On a dreary February day in 2018, Contra Costa College Foundation Director Sara Marcellino answered her phone. Sam Genirberg, a 93-year-old Jewish activist and resident of El Cerrito, was on the other line. He was calling in response to a personal note he had received from the foundation, thanking him for the donation he had […]
‘You Only Have One Life!’ Says Business Major Quynh Pham
Quynh Pham was born and raised in Vietnam. She moved to the US just 14 years ago. “When I came here,” she recalls, “it was very hard for me to learn English. I was very nervous to talk to people. I’m scared I’ll pronounce things wrong. And, in Vietnam, we learned British English, and sometimes […]
CCC Brought Christine Sanok Out of Retirement–and Took Her to Italy!
It’s never too late to go back to school! Christine Sanok heard about CCC’s culinary program at her retirement dinner, from a friend who had heard her mention culinary school before. “I wanted to be a blessing to my family and friends,” Christine explains. “I wasn’t very confident in the kitchen. We host one event […]
