In March 2022, students from Diablo Valley College participated in the 46th Chinese Mandarin Speech Contest which was held virtually. The contest is hosted by The Chinese Language Teachers Association of California (CLTAC). CLTAC is the largest nonprofit association of its kind in the country with a mission to promote the study, teaching, and research of the Chinese language and culture on all educational levels.
“When I was working my very first job in the insurance industry, I got a devastating call from my mom. She told me she had cancer,” said Johanna Arroliga, insurance/real estate agent owner of XIX Insurance Group Services.
Aikisha Reeves started her college journey at DVC as a high school graduate in 1999 but an unexpected event cut that journey short. “My first attempt at DVC ended abruptly because I unexpectedly went into premature labor.” Aikisha’s priorities naturally needed to shift when she became a young mother caring for a premature baby. It was almost fifteen years later that Aikisha decided to give DVC another try. “I was seeking a career change but found that advancement opportunities were very narrow without a proper degree so, my desire to further my education evolved.”
Dr. Matthew Fein once wondered what was next as a community college student—now he teaches anatomy, physiology and microbiology at DVC San Ramon.
Discover the PUMA Center, home to three college access and success programs that support underrepresented students – Puente, Umoja, and MESA. These programs provide an enriched student experience that leads to greater success.
Culinary arts and hospitality students can get a great start on their career by enrolling at DVC. There are numerous opportunities for hands-on learning not only in class, but also in campus eateries as well as restaurants throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
As a high school senior, Stephanie Ramos Navarro had no idea what she wanted out of life. She was certain that she wanted to pursue an education but was unclear which direction to take. And she was about to be the first (out of 32 grandchildren) in her family to set foot on a college campus. After sharing her uncertainty and fears with her teachers at Ygnacio Valley High School, she was guided to DVC. “They helped me understand my alternatives, and within a few months, I registered as a full-time student.”
The DVC Inclusivity & Wellness Center (IWC) ensures that DREAMers, LGBTQIA+ students, students from immigrant communities, historically underrepresented students, and students from low-income backgrounds have access to resources and support in a welcoming, sacred space.
Congratulations to our exceptional DVC educators who were recognized at the 2023 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year program. They serve as inspiring examples of the remarkable dedication and talent present within the DVC community.
“During my first year at DVC, I was at a crossroads. While at a dental cleaning appointment, my hygienist asked me about my goals. She told me how much she enjoyed being a dental hygienist. After that conversation, I looked into dental hygiene, and the rest is history,” said Michael Vu, a 2015 graduate of the DVC dental hygiene program.