While attending Ygnacio Valley High School, Ivan Hernandez learned about DVC’s award-winning transfer programs. After hearing that he could complete two years of classes at the college and receive dedicated support with transferring to a university to finish his bachelor’s degree, he was sold. “I found out that DVC provides lots of different resources to students to pursue higher education. It became clear that it’s a great place to learn and explore.”
The DVC Pre-Apprenticeship program introduces students to skilled trade careers that offer high wages, union benefits and long-term stability.
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.
DVC alumna Wendy Karen Gomez Flores always wanted to work in the tech industry and in business management.
At 26, Edrees is back where his college story began, at DVC. This time he's focused on completing prerequisites for medical school or a physician assistant program.
Diablo Valley College received the “Community Impact” award at the 12th annual East Bay Innovation Awards, hosted by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance.
Lisa credits DVC's CHW program and it's instructors for giving her the support she needed to stay in class, on track and succeed as an adult learner.
The support Guydon-Off received inspired him to help other students have a more positive experience, leading him to become a student ambassador for DVC. “I helped students apply and register for classes. In addition to working with students who recently completed high school, I also helped adults who were returning to college or starting college for the first time. I assisted students who spoke a language other than English. I helped mothers with children, adults wanting a career change, and unhoused people seeking opportunity. I experienced the diversity of the student body, as well as the sacrifices people made to be able to enroll in college,” said Guydon-Off.
Careers in the trades offer a fast track to high-paying careers without a bachelor's degree. By attending DVC, students have the advantage of acquiring the skills, knowledge, and hands-on learning experience to pursue a trade occupation while also earning transferable college credits should they choose to continue their education later on.