Career education focuses on skilled trades, applied arts and sciences, and cutting-edge technologies. These programs are tailored to enhance job skills and boost career marketability.
The College and Career Access Pathway for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (CCAP-STEM) Academy is a dual enrollment partnership between Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and DVC, based at Ygnacio Valley High School. Students focused on entering an engineering pathway are able to earn college credits from DVC while in high school.
For Keisha Holmes, the idea of attending college wasn't in her plans until a state rehabilitation case worker encouraged her to apply to DVC so she could return to the workforce.
Navigate your way to a career in geography focusing on geographic information systems (GIS) / global positioning systems (GPS) like these successful DVC alums!
DVC career education programs integrate hands-on learning right in the classroom. Students also have many options to learn in a work setting. This is referred to as work-based learning. During the pandemic, some DVC faculty had to get creative, offering virtual experiential learning rather than in-person opportunities. But with a greater number of classes being held on-campus in fall 2021, students will be able to enjoy the hands-on experiences they have become accustomed to at DVC.
DVC horticulture students dig deep, sharing how they have applied their skills both on campus and on the job. The program offers opportunities to learn about plant propagation, aquaponics, hydroponics, irrigation, and more.
After earning an AS degree in Dental Hygiene from DVC, Rachel worked as a dental hygienist and earned an additional license as an Alternative Practice Hygienist.
Andrea Madison had worked in retail management and hospitality for many years, but something nagged at her. She had always dreamt of becoming a writer. Just before her 30th birthday, Madison decided she was ready to make a change and pursue her life-long passion. She enrolled at DVC as a journalism major.
“Our program has evolved to meet the needs of the local community and job market. Many students who take horticulture classes plan on going into their own business. We also have many students who go on to complete a bachelor’s degree,” said Bethallyn Black, lead faculty for the horticulture and plant science program at DVC.