Cerritos College News Release

NORWALK, Calif. - October 16, 2008 - After being launched at Cerritos College two years ago, the Northwood University west coast program at Cerritos College has grown to the level where more staff is needed to manage the program.

SMCDA will manage the Northwood University program at Cerritos College. Phones will be operated full time from the SMCDA offices and afternoon office hours on campus will be held for the program's students. This is perfect fit since the SMCDA is so involved with education at Cerritos College.

"(The former Program Center Manager) Javier Garza has done a great job getting the program off the ground and establishing it as one of the only four-year universities operating wholly on a community college campus," said Todd Leutheuser, who will oversee the program while still managing the Southern Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA).

The Northwood program is gaining steady popularity among students for its "3-plus-1" structure: The first three years of the four-year degree offered by Northwood University costs students only $20 per unit, since the program consists of transferable classes at Cerritos College. The final year of the degree is offered at Northwood's tuition rate but still takes place at Cerritos College's campus.

The first Northwood University class at Cerritos College graduated in June, and nearly 50 students are currently enrolled. The first group of students taking automotive courses for their bachelor's degree in automotive marketing and management are now starting their fourth year of study and hope to complete their degree by the time the Automotive Training Center is completed.

Northwood University is based in Midland, Michigan and has campuses in Florida and Texas and partners with Cerritos College to offer the Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree. Qualified students can attend Cerritos College for three years and then take their fourth year of courses with Northwood University at Cerritos College and earn a bachelor’s degree. This is a unique partnership among the community colleges in California.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 200 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College

Releases 2008