Cerritos College News Release

NORWALK, Calif. – July 7, 2008 – The Cerritos College Foundation received a $250,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation, benefiting Project HOPE (Health Opportunities & Pipeline to Education) at Cerritos College.

Totaling $250,000 over two years, the Irvine grant will go toward strengthening the program’s partnerships with three area high schools in increasing the number of underrepresented students entering health careers. The three partnering high schools are Artesia High School, Norwalk High School and Soledad Enrichment Action Charter School.

“We are grateful to have a true partner such as The James Irvine Foundation that is committed to support diversity,” said Steve Richardson, executive director of the Cerritos College Foundation. “This funding will help high school students interested in healthcare get on the path to success.”

The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California to participate in a vibrant, successful and inclusive society.

Project HOPE is dedicated to increasing the number of Latinos and other underrepresented groups entering, matriculating, and completing health careers. The project aims to create an academic pipeline facilitating the success of minority students in this competitive field. Program activities include: student services geared toward health careers; teaching strategies and courses that increase retention and success of Latino students and other minorities; organized workshops, conferences and research opportunities; community service venues; and peer and professional mentoring. For more information about Project Hope, visit www.cerritos.edu/hope.

The Cerritos College Foundation, a non-profit organization, serves as a charitable vehicle for the community, individuals and alumni, to assist with financial support of Cerritos College. Visit the Foundation online at www.cerritos.edu/ccf.

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 averages more than 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College

Releases 2008