DVC Career Focus Summer/Fall 22 V5-1

SUMMER/FALL 2022 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1

HEALTHY OUTLOOK FOR CAREERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH

CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY BRING ART TO LIFE

THE NEW NORMAL

RETRAINING AND UPSKILLING FOR A FLEXIBLE FUTURE

REGISTER NOW

FALL CLASSES

Fall Classes Begin August 19, 2022

High-quality instruction.

Flexible, convenient and affordable.

Access our fall schedule of classes at www.dvc.edu/schedule

• Degree and certificate programs taught by outstanding instructors • Career education to prepare for immediate employment and advancement • Day, evening, and hybrid classes available in-person and online • Campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon

Pleasant Hill Campus: 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230

San Ramon Campus: 1690 Watermill Road San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822

In This Issue 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.................................... Sharrie Bettencourt Photography..........Scott Chernis & Sharrie Bettencourt Visit us at: www.dvc.edu Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board:

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John E. Márquez, Ward I Dr. Judy Walters, Ward II Rebecca Barrett, Ward III Andy Li, Ward IV Fernando Sandoval, Ward V Austin Green, Student Trustee Interim 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), awarded to Diablo Valley College and administered by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

It is the policy of the Contra Costa Community College District and Diablo Valley College to provide an educational and employment environment in which no person shall be unlawfully subject to discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, medical condition, ancestry, marital status or physical or mental disability or based on association with a person or group with one of more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Unlawful harassment, discrimination or denial of access of any employee/student with regard to ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability is strictly prohibited. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the College’s education programs. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures and requests for the elevation and addition of sports may be directed to the Diablo Valley College Vice President of Student Services (504, Title IX, Sexual Harassment; Title VI Coordinator and EEOC Officer) at 925-969-2005. © 2022 Diablo Valley College

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The New Normal - Retraining and Upskilling for a Flexible Future There has been an increase in the number of adults returning to school to retrain for a new career, or to upskill for future advancement.

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Creativity and Technology Bring Art to Life DVC’s art digital media program prepares students for exciting roles at marketing agencies, mobile app / web development companies, game studios, and more.

Healthy Outlook for Careers in Public Health The DVC public health program is ideal for students who want to serve diverse communities and work in a school system, government agencies, or clinical settings.

PUMA Center - Right Where You Belong The PUMA Center is the home for three college access and success programs that support underrepresented students.

Funding a Fresh Start The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant is a federally-funded program offered through the Department of Labor.

DREAMers Become Leaders at DVC Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter

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DVC launched a new initiative to help undocumented students earn money for college while developing themselves as community service leaders.

CareerFocus I SUMMER/FALL 2022 I 1

ONLINE PROGRAM

The New Normal - Retraining and Upskilling for a Flexible Future

“I

had been working as an aesthetician in 2020, and then it shut down due to the pandemic. I freaked out, wondering, ‘what was I going to do? What skills did I have?’ It was a very scary time for the personal care industry,” said Solana Rehne. can apply everything I’ve learned in communications, digital media, video editing and production into a career that will sustain me no matter what happens with the economy,” said Rehne.

Rehne feels that after getting through the recession, the foreclosure crisis, and the pandemic, workers need to prepare for a career that is both flexible and resilient.

Solana Rehne

Unfortunately for Rehne, this was not the first time she had to make a career change due to forces beyond her control.

“I had already gone through the ‘great recession,’ and it was actually that experience that led me to pursue a new career as an aesthetician and makeup artist.

Prior to that, I had been working in the entertainment industry after earning a bachelor’s degree in communications. But due to the economic downturn, I had retrained to focus on a career in skincare,” said Rehne.

Prior to the pandemic, Rehne had been taking art digital media and computer information systems (CIS) classes at DVC. She then added business management classes to better prepare for her next career move.

“I would like to focus on social media for small business where I 2 I SUMMER/FALL 2022 I CareerFocus

“Everyone needs a backup plan, should the need arise. It is important to be able to have greater control over your income rather than being so reliant on an employer,” said Rehne.

Clifton Hardle agrees and has enjoyed adding to his skillset during the pandemic.

When an employee learns new skills, their employer benefits as well.

“At work, I’m pushing my teams to understand their customers and stakeholders and build rough and ready prototypes to get feedback so we can build more impactful solutions,” said Hardle.

What are workers looking for?

A 2021 Credit Karma survey showed that 50 percent of American workers reevaluated their job or career as a result of the pandemic. Among those workers who were currently employed, 41 percent indicated they were likely to leave their job within the next six months.

Many of these workers said they were looking for a job with higher pay, greater work-life balance, and better benefits. In addition,13 percent said they wanted to pursue higher education degrees or certificates, and 17 percent said they wanted to pursue a new field or area of interest.

A January 2022 report from Cengage indicates that among those who have resigned in the wake of the pandemic, nearly 78 percent have enrolled in online training courses or certificate programs. And 64 percent indicated they felt this type of training was “essential” for successfully obtaining a new job. The report also found that those who resign are primarily interested in roles that offer the

“I’ve always wanted to study industrial design. For me, in my mid-30’s, it’s like going back 15 years and learning all over again.

It’s fun, and reminds me to keep learning and not get stagnant,” said Hardle, an industrial design student at DVC. Hardle was fortunate that he has been able to work throughout the pandemic. But this was only possible because his job was one that could transition to a remote environment.

“Businesses are realizing you don’t need to be in the office five days a week to be productive.

Employers are more flexible and open to letting you figure out what works for you,” said Hardle.

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Romana Sinegal homeschools her kids and had been taking online business classes at DVC to help with her family’s business. When most of DVC’s classes transitioned to an online environment due to the pandemic, she realized she now had more course options to choose from.

“When the pandemic hit, I focused on classes that really interested me since they were all online and readily available. I was hoping to gain new skills in art and design that I could apply as my kids grow older.

I’ve taken illustration, animation, photography, CAD and industrial design classes,” said Sinegal.

Sinegal feels that DVC is a great place for adults to learn new technologies or pursue avenues of study they hadn’t previously considered.

ability to work remotely at least some of the time.

Given these reports, it’s no surprise that there has been an increase in the number of adults returning to school to retrain for a new career, or to upskill for future advancement.

“From what I’ve seen in my classes, folks are quitting or training for a new career to get better pay or treatment,” said Mario Tejada Jr., computer information systems (CIS) professor and CIS/business department chair at DVC San Ramon.

The pandemic was particularly difficult for workers in service industries. Younger workers often were asked to work longer shifts, deal with sudden changes due to temporary business closures, and more. As a result, many young workers resigned or chose to reduce their hours to return to school.

“They are trying to build some foundational technology skills that make them more competitive for future job hunting,” said Tejada Jr.

reduced time spent commuting, these workers have found they have the time and flexibility to add college classes to their schedule.

And those who voluntarily left their job as part of the “great resignation” contributed to the growing number of students as well – often because they were interested in developing skills that could be easily applied in a remote setting.

Both businesses and employees have benefited from the shift towards remote work.

• Employers and workers have enjoyed greater work-life balance.

• By working from home, workers can save on gas and commute time, while also benefiting the environment.

• A survey of 10,000 employers conducted by the Becker Friedman Institute of Economics indicate that worker productivity was the same or higher since their employees started working from home due to the pandemic.

Fast facts In 2022, Buffer conducted a survey of 2000 remote workers.

Their study revealed:

97 percent would prefer to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their career.

73 percent say their pay has not been impacted by the switch to remote work.

72 percent said their employer plans to permanently allow some amount of remote work.

62 percent report they are

“It’s made me think differently about my future as my kids grow, giving me more time to work on my passions.

I plan to work mainly remotely as I need the flexibility for my family. The classes I’m taking now will help me establish a future side business and some other dream projects. I’d love to be a digital nomad,” said Sinegal.

more excited about their job since shifting to remote work.

Fully online programs at DVC Some jobs lend themselves better to remote work than others - and this is where retraining and upskilling can make a difference. At DVC, students can enroll in a growing number of degree or certificate programs offered fully online. This can make it easier to incorporate education into a busy schedule that includes work and family obligations.

Options include: • Administration of justice • Art digital media

Romana Sinegal

• Business • Computer information systems • Computer networking technology

Sources:

• Computer science

https://bfi.uchicago.edu/wp-content/ uploads/2021/05/BFI_WP_2021-56.pdf

A shift towards remote work

• Job seekers are proactively searching for opportunities that incorporate hybrid or remote work options.

• Early childhood education

https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2022

Many companies successfully transitioned their employees to a remote work environment. Due to

Remote work is particularly attractive to parents and other caregivers juggling multiple responsibilities.

• History

dvc.edu I DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

• Geography • Program for Adult College Education (PACE) degree tracks

www.cengage.widen.net/s/78hrkqgfj7/ cg-great-resigners-research-report-final www.creditkarma.com/about/commentary/ pandemic-spurs-great-resignation-canamericans-afford-it

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DVC PROGRAM

Creativity and Technology Bring Art to Life

“W

hen I started the art digital media program at DVC, I was a working, single parent. It was not easy, but I did it. I strongly believe in the inner power each student has,” said Yudy Herrera Orellana.

Herrera Orellana thinks the art digital media program is ideal for students seeking a well-paying career combining artistic talent with technical skill. The program prepares students for exciting roles at marketing agencies, mobile app / web development companies, game studios, and more.

Herrera Orellana completed an associate in arts in design and visual communications, as well as an associate in arts in business administration and management.

She credits her education for giving her career the boost it needed.

“At DVC, I learned the technical skills needed to perform much of my work that I do today as a program manager at BRIDGEGOOD,” said Herrera Orellana.

BRIDGEGOOD is a creative agency that provides technology access, design opportunities,

and professional resources to job seekers.

“I develop, organize, design, and execute the Inspire Oakland Billboard Campaign, coordinate the user experience (UX) design apprenticeship, manage our design studio clients, and more,” said Herrera Orellana.

The connections Herrera Orellana made with her DVC instructors were especially helpful.

“The faculty care about the material they are teaching and really want their students to excel.

Develop a working relationship with them. You’ll be surprised how supportive they are throughout your student journey,” said Herrera Orellana.

Art digital media at DVC “We have seen so much growth in digital media as well as film,

DVC alum Yudy Herrera Orellana at her desk at BRIDGEGOOD. Photo Credit: Shaun Tai

television and electronic arts.

There are many options for students. Our goal is to prepare students for both transfer to a four-year university and entry-level jobs in these creative industries,” said Joann Denning, department chair for media studies at DVC. Students enrolled in the art digital media program can tailor their education towards their preferred career goal.

“Our art digital media program enables students to truly make a career out of their passion, with many opportunities available to students with a certificate or associate degree,” said Denning.

Degrees and certificates Associate in arts

• Animation • Digital media • Game design • Graphic design – available fully online • Interaction design for web and mobile platforms • Motion graphics • Web design – available fully online Certificate of accomplishment • Art digital media - foundation

Film, television and electronic media at DVC

• Graphic design

Students who study film, television and electronic media (FTVE) learn skills that prepare them for careers in the entertainment industry, including film, broadcasting, online media, and more.

• Interaction design for web and mobile platforms

“Some students transfer to continue their education at

• Animation • Digital media • Game design

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Certificate of achievement

DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE I dvc.edu

a four-year university, but many students complete the program and seek entry-level jobs in the film and television industry. This could include working as a production assistant on a set, being an assistant editor for a production company or supporting a live TV broadcast,” said Sahra Bhimji, assistant professor of film production at DVC.

Degrees and certificates Associate in science for transfer • Film, television and electronic media Associate in arts • Television arts Certificate of achievement • Television arts Certificate of accomplishment • Television arts - basic writing for digital medium • Television arts - film production • Television arts - studio production

Facilities upgrades Starting in fall 2022, the art digital media and film, television and electronic media programs will be housed in a new two-story art complex on the Pleasant Hill campus.

Co-locating with other art programs including photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and more, the brand-new spaces will help students build skills and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

“The move to the new art building is very exciting! We will have three art media labs, a state-of-the-art production studio, and a printing lab,” said Denning.

Bhimji is particularly enthusiastic about the new production studio.

“The studio will have a new mixing board with live streaming capabilities, and top-quality film lights, enabling students to learn to program lighting,” said Bhimji.

Both Bhimji and Denning are excited about investments in a new virtual production technology that will offer new opportunities for students to develop in-demand skills with camera tracking and the motion of actors.

Film, television and electronic media at the San Ramon Campus Did you know DVC San Ramon offers several FTVE classes? These classes can be applied towards a FTVE degree or certificate, and they can also be used to fulfill general education requirements.

DVC San Ramon classes include: • FTVE 200 American Cinema/American Culture • FTVE 210 American Ethnic Cultures in Film • FTVE 280 American Cinema 1900 - 1950 • FTVE 281 World Cinema 1900 - 1960

“If students want to mix together animation, video game design, and visual effects, they will be able to experiment with that,” said Bhimji.

• FTVE 282 American Cinema 1950 to the Present

The programs will also offer an equipment loan program. This will enable students to check out cameras, microphones, and laptops to work on projects outside the classroom or studio.

Online equity project for art digital media

“One of our goals is to bring industry to campus to use the new production studio. This would give our students hands-on experience working for real clients,” said Denning.

Job outlook “Data shows that workers need to regularly acquire new digital skills to stay ahead of job market changes and to advance in their careers. Job opportunities for people with digital media skills continue to grow,” said Denning.

To ensure that students continue to develop the skills needed by local industry, DVC has forged deep relationships with many Bay Area companies, including Kyocera,

• FTVE 283 World Cinema 1960 to the Present

DVC is one of 12 community colleges participating in a project focused on reducing inequities in academic and career outcomes for underrepresented minority groups enrolled in online education programs.

Each participating college will receive $30,000 over two years to support their project. DVC chose to focus on art digital media (ARTDM).

“The online equity project is part of a national grant called CTE CoLab. Each college team will develop and implement an action plan to reduce equity gaps for students of color,” said Joann Denning, department chair for media studies at DVC. CTE CoLab is funded by ECMC Foundation. The collaborative is comprised of the Urban Institute, World Education, Inc., the National Council for Workforce Education, the Office of Community College Research and Leadership at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, the Instructional Technology Council, and the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers.

LinkedIn, 23andMe, First Person, and BRIDGEGOOD

in. Attend events, read articles and develop your network.”

Yudy Herrera Orellana and BRIDGEGOOD provide many opportunities for art digital media students. The annual billboard design competition enables students to design billboards for the City of Oakland. BRIDGEGOOD also offers a UX design apprenticeship that enables DVC students to have hands-on learning in UX, UI (user interface) and product design.

Bhimji strongly recommends that students interested in film, television and electronic media consider DVC.

Herrera Orellana encourages students to be proactive in building their career. She said, “The workforce is very competitive. While there are many jobs out there, not every job is the right one for you.

School is the first step to becoming a professional, but don’t stop there.

Explore the field you want to be dvc.edu I DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

“DVC is a great place to have small, hands-on classes where you get to try all the roles in a film production or television studio and also build your portfolio to show future employers or prepare for transfer,” said Bhimji.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about industry-leading creative career paths at DVC, visit: Art digital media: www.dvc.edu/artdm Film, television and electronic media: www.dvc.edu/ftve

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DVC PROGRAM

Healthy Outlook for Careers in Public Health returned to his early interests and decided to major in public health.

“I’d love to be a disease prevention specialist. As someone who is gay and trans, I want to give back to my community by stepping into prevention and public health advocacy in LGBTQ+ communities. I’d also like to explore science communications so that I can apply my art/production knowledge,” said Riel.

Lawrence Riel

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hen Lawrence Riel began classes at DVC, he had planned on pursuing a career in animation. But like many students, after some exploration, he decided to pursue a different career path.

“I re-evaluated my goals. As a child, I was interested in topics like epidemiology, but I wasn’t having the best time academically.

I felt discouraged from pursuing something like public health because I felt inadequate,” said Riel.

Reil took a break from his studies while considering his options. He

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Public health professions focus on the prevention of illness, injury and disease to promote and protect the health of people and the communities where they live, work and play. Job responsibilities might include promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, improving health inequities among underserved populations, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.

“The DVC public health program is ideal for students who want to serve diverse communities and work in a school system, government agencies, or clinical settings. Work might involve conducting research, writing grants or developing programs and policies to help people and populations live healthier lives.

The degree is also very relevant to those who want to go into directcare professions like addiction studies, nutrition, nursing, and medicine,” said Kristen Colchico, department chair of the public health program at DVC. Public health sets itself apart from other health professions by focusing primarily on prevention.

Public health strives to achieve

health equity so every person has the opportunity to attain their full health potential.

There has been renewed interest in public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased enrollment in DVC’s public health program.

“When public health is working well, no one notices. But when things go wrong, it is easier to see all that public health does to protect society. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed health inequities in our nation and our world. These inequities are reflected in differences in length of life, quality of life, rates and severity of disease, and access to treatment,” said Colchico.

Public health at DVC This fall, DVC will officially transition its Health Science Department to the newly named Public Health Department.

“This change is being made because our courses and degree programs reflect the education and skill requirements needed

in the public health discipline.

This will help prepare students for transfer to CSU and UC programs in public health, health education and health science,” said Colchico.

DVC will offer new public health courses in fall 2022, creating additional options while also offering the opportunity for students to gain greater depth of knowledge.

“The newly revised transfer degree will allow students to take more public health classes at the community college level, which will better prepare them for transfer. DVC is one of the first California community colleges to have a distinct Public Health Department,” said Colchico.

Addiction studies class at DVC. Photo taken prior to the pandemic.

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Job Outlook “The pandemic highlighted the need for many existing and new public health and health care specialties.

The most essential and in-demand roles have been nurses, clinical lab scientists, certified nursing assistants, and community health workers.

Epidemiologists and data specialists have also been more important for tracking the spread of COVID-19,” said Kimberly Balmorez, health career pathways program assistant for Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS).

Careers in public health Students pursuing a career in public health can look forward to a well-paying career. Potential salaries for those with an associate in science degree or certificate include: • Community health outreach worker: $50,000 • Community health educator: $56,799 • Wellness coordinator: $65,786 For those who obtain additional education, opportunities include: • Health specialty teacher, postsecondary: $85,000 • Epidemiologist: $94,286 • Medical and health services manager: $121,783

Internships can help to quickly pave a career path as well.

Colchico notes that California State University, East Bay and San Francisco State University have also developed a Public Health department. As California community colleges and in-state public universities continue to align their departments, programs and course numbers, students will enjoy a more streamlined transfer process.

Degrees and certificates DVC offers degree and certificate programs in public health, addiction studies and nutrition. Available degrees and certificates include:

Public health • Associate in science in public health science for transfer • Associate in science in health education • Certificate of achievement in community health outreach worker (CHOW) - coming in fall 2023

Addiction studies • Associate in science in addiction counseling • Associate in science in addiction studies

Nutrition • Associate in science in nutrition science for transfer • Certificate of achievement in nutrition, health and wellness

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CCHS offers an eight-week summer internship program through the health careers pathway department.

This internship exposes students to non-clinical careers and matches them with a public health professional mentor. CCHS also partners with the Contra Costa Family Residency program to offer a summer clinical observation volunteer opportunity, where participants can observe health professionals at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and/or CCHS clinics.

The addiction studies program also provides field work opportunities.

“Sometimes these internships are paid, and some students are able to continue working at the facilities after they have graduated and obtained their substance abuse counseling license,” said Colchico.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong job growth for public health professions. In particular, the projected 17 percent growth for health education specialists and community health workers is notable.

“Public health will not close doors - it will only open them! A public health career could start by working with the homeless population or developing a transitional program for individuals in harm reduction and treatment programs or those transitioning from incarceration.

There is no shortage of public health opportunities,” said Colchico.

Upgraded facilities boost public health, kinesiology and athletics programs The public health program will soon move into the Pleasant Hill campus’s brand-new physical education and kinesiology complex. The $52 million facilities upgrade was funded by voter-approved Measures A and E. “The gym has been renovated and is now open to students. We also have a new fieldhouse and adjoining facility that includes an equipment room, team meeting rooms, locker rooms, faculty offices, classrooms, and a training room/lab. There will also be renovations to the pool.

These facilities benefit students enrolled in kinesiology, sports medicine, public health, athletics and fitness training,” said Christine Worsley, dean of health sciences and athletic director.

“The new facilities match the exemplary education that students receive at DVC. The upgrades will enable students to learn and prepare for the workforce or transfer to four-year programs with state-of-the-art facilities,” said Worsley.

Why enroll in public health at DVC?

Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Fullerton. If you’re a student looking to transfer as a public health major, I feel confident that the public health program at DVC has the classes and professors that will perfectly prepare you for the next step of your journey,” said Riel.

“Public health is an exciting field because it allows people to think creatively about how they want to uplift the community,” said Balmorez.

Lawrence Riel appreciates the uniqueness of the DVC program.

“It is really nice to have a program dedicated specifically towards public health rather than being grouped with health science. It’s hard to find this type of program at a community college,” said Riel.

Riel plans to transfer to obtain a bachelor’s degree in public health in Fall 2023.

“I’m considering California State University (CSU) campuses in

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit www.dvc.edu/public-health.

Sources: https://cchealth.org/hcp/ www.economicmodeling.com/ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-andsocial-service/health-educators.htm#tab-6

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STUDENT SERVICES

PUMA Center - Right Where You Belong “The PUMA Center builds and nurtures community by embracing and validating students’ cultural identity and humanity. The center also serves the First Year Experience (FYE) Program, Program for Adult College Education (PACE), and the Community of Pride,” said Ada Ocampo, the manager of student engagement and early college experiences.

Paulina Vaclav

“I

n high school, I sometimes felt like I wasn’t seen, or like I didn’t belong there. But at the DVC PUMA Center, I feel represented,” said Vaclav.

Students visiting the center build leadership skills and connect with mentors and peers. Enrichment activities create a sense of belonging that enhances their own experience at DVC, while extending cultural awareness throughout the broader campus community.

Services include: • Tutoring • Counseling

What is the PUMA Center?

The PUMA Center is home to college access and success programs that support underrepresented students.

“I remember looking around the center. It was filled with people of color, my people, and I just let out a sigh of relief,” said Vaclav.

• Free immigration legal consults • Community-building opportunities

PUMA programs Puente Project “Puente’s mission is to increase the number of Latinx students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Their linked

courses infuse Latinx literature and concepts into the curriculum,” said Ocampo.

Puente students have access to programs that support their academics, foster leadership and increase their engagement. Each participant is connected to a professional mentor who will provide support and assistance until they transfer.

Umoja Umoja is committed to the academic success, personal growth and self-actualization of African American and other students. African and African American intellectual, cultural, and spiritual gifts inform Umoja Community values, practices, and linked course curriculum.

underrepresented students focusing on science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

“MESA offers a variety of academic supports such as tutoring and rapid review sessions. Students may also have access to high-demand courses and scholarships,” said Ocampo.

Making her voice heard Mprah Asare is a member of the Umoja Community and really enjoys spending time in the PUMA Center.

Strong bonds with mentors, counselors, instructors, and peers are integral to Umoja, fostering deeper connections that support student growth and success.

MESA The Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program is a statewide program for educationally and economically

Mprah Asare

DREAMers Become Leaders at DVC Last fall, DVC launched a new initiative to help undocumented students earn money for college while developing themselves as community service leaders. As participants in the Dreamers Leadership Development Program, DVC students complete community service hours on or off-campus.

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“Students benefit by making a difference in the DVC community, taking on challenging roles, learning new skills, and more,” said Lizette Ponthier, the director of financial aid at DVC.

the student may receive as much as $1500 per semester for up to 8 semesters.

Participants who meet certain eligibility requirements may also apply for the CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant. If qualified,

Any enrolled student at DVC may participate; however, only students who meet eligibility requirements may apply for the grant.

How does it work?

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“Among all services that Diablo Valley College offers, students of color and students who originate from underrepresented backgrounds can call the PUMA Center their own. This space caters to the unheard, overlooked and oftentimes ignored,” said Asare.

Asare herself has a unique connection to students who have felt unheard. “Growing up, I struggled with a speech impediment. With the help of my speech therapist, I was able to overcome this minor setback.”

Asare is majoring in psychology, and minoring in communication sciences and disorders. She plans to become a speech and language pathologist where she can help other children with similar issues. The time she has spent in the PUMA Center has helped build her confidence.

“As a student who is a member of Umoja, it has been a joy to form long-lasting connections with not only my peers, but also staff and faculty,” said Asare.

Paulina Vaclav plans to pursue a career in music education.

She feels the PUMA Center has helped to pave her path.

“The PUMA Center staff really cares about your well-being and educational goals. They have helped me to see myself in my own culture,” said Vaclav.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the PUMA Center, visit dvc.edu/puma.

Funding a Fresh Start

“I

had struggled for decades, unemployed or underemployed. I never knew who I was or what I wanted to do,” said Michael Green, a recent graduate from DVC.

Who is eligible?

While on unemployment, Green heard about a program that might be able to help.

• Underemployed with household income equal to or less than what is shown here.

“It was designed to help people rejoin the workforce. I realized I needed to get some action going, to take a chance, even if it didn’t come to fruition,” said Green.

• Current recipients of benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program OR can provide documentation that verifies they meet income guidelines.

What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Grant?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant is a federally-funded program offered through the Department of Labor. The funds help dislocated workers and adults with significant employment barriers train to enter or re-enter the job market.

“If you qualify for the WIOA grant, you can receive up to $5,000. The funds can cover tuition, textbooks, required tools, and fees,” said Robin Heinemann, the program coordinator for WIOA and work experience education.

Approved applicants will receive funds after completing their service hours each semester.

Awards are pro-rated based on the student’s enrollment units.

To be placed for a service opportunity, contact Marina Varela at mvarela@dvc.edu or Todd Farr at tfarr@dvc.edu.

Incentive grant eligibility requirements

Qualifying Maximum Household Income by Family Size (Last 12 Months)

Dislocated workers: • 18 years or older • Citizens or noncitizens authorized to work in the United States • Workers who lost their job through no fault of their own.

Income-eligible adults:

Family Size

Maximum Household Income

1

$32,200

2

$43,550

3

$54,900

4

$66,250

5

$77,600

6

$88,850

7

$100,300

8

$111,650

as a full-time staff tax accountant,” said Green.

Green highly recommends the WIOA program.

Learn job-ready skills that build confidence Michael Green earned an associate in science in accounting as well as the advanced accounting certificate at DVC. He applied for a position with the City of Brentwood and began attending Rotary meetings with a friend. His confidence grew as he became more engaged in the networking process.

“My friend introduced me to her CPA who was looking to hire a tax preparer. I went in and interviewed, and they later offered me a position

“If you’re stuck or have fallen on hard times, never give up on yourself,” said Green.

“We offer 144 academic programs that WIOA participants can choose from. And because they are ‘in demand,’ students can feel confident in their job prospects as well,” said Heinemann.

TO FIND OUT MORE, visit dvc.edu/wioa.

• Be a Cal Grant B recipient; • Demonstrate financial need; • Be enrolled in at least 6 units at a qualifying institution.

“The grant application involves a few steps so we encourage students to work with staff who can guide them,” said Ponthier.

TO FIND OUT MORE, email dreamers@dvc.edu.

• Submit a CA Dream Act application; dvc.edu I DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

CareerFocus I SUMMER/FALL 2022 I 9

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

321 Golf Club Road 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant 321 Golf Hill, 94523 ClubCA Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

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www.dvc.edu/apply www.dvc.edu/apply www.dvc.edu/apply www.dvc.edu/apply Pleasant Hill Campus

San Ramon Campus

Pleasant CA 94523 Hill Campus 321 Golf Hill, Club Road 925-685-1230 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230 925-685-1230 925-685-1230

San Ramon, CA Road 94582 Ramon Campus 1690 Watermill 925-866-1822 1690 Watermill Road San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822 1690Ramon, Watermill San CA Road 94582 San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822 San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822 925-866-1822 925-866-1822

San1690 Ramon Campus Pleasant Campus Watermill Road 321Hill Golf Club Road 1690 Watermill Road 321 Golf Club Road San Ramon, CA 94582 Pleasant Hill Hill,Campus CA 94523 Pleasant San Ramon Campus RamonCA Campus Pleasant Hill94523 Campus SanSan 925-866-1822 Ramon, 94582 925-685-1230 Pleasant Hill, 1690 Watermill Road 321 GolfCA Club Road San Ramon Campus Pleasant Hill Campus 1690 Watermill Road 321 Golf Club Road San Ramon Campus Pleasant Hill Campus San CA Road 94582 925-685-1230 Pleasant CA 94523925-866-1822 San Ramon Campus 1690Ramon, Watermill Pleasant Hill Campus 321 Golf Hill, Club Road

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