First Year Experience

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First Year Experience Office

Student Services Center, Room 104

510.215.4115

The First Year Experience (FYE) program at Contra Costa College is designed to help new students transition smoothly into college life and set a strong foundation for their academic journey. The program offers a dedicated support team and a variety of activities to ensure students stay on track to achieve their goals, such as transferring to a four-year college or university.

Why Join FYE

The First Year Experience (FYE) program at Contra Costa College offers a range of specific benefits to help new students succeed:

Summer Bridge:
A preparatory program designed to help students transition smoothly into college life, providing an early introduction to campus resources and academic expectations.
College Success Coaching:
Personalized guidance from dedicated coaches who assist with academic planning, goal setting, and navigating college challenges.
Student Support Network:
A community of peers and mentors offering ongoing support, fostering a sense of belonging and connection throughout the first year.
Academic Success Workshops:
Interactive workshops focused on enhancing essential academic skills, such as time management, study techniques, and exam preparation.
Team building Activities:
Engaging activities that promote teamwork, collaboration, and the development of strong interpersonal relationships.
University Tours:
Organized visits to potential transfer universities, providing students with insights into future educational opportunities and helping them plan their academic pathways.

Steps to Apply

1 – Sign Up for Summer Bridge

Application Opening Soon

All FYE participants will be required to be a part of the Summer Bridge program. Summer Bridge is an 8-day, 2-week summer program to prepare students for their Fall classes and meet their instructors and peers. Snacks and lunch included!

Aug 5th – Aug 15th
Monday – Thursday | 10:00am-2:00pm
Fireside Hall

2 – Complete CCC Application Process

Go to www.contracosta.edu/apply to complete your application online.

If you need help, give us a call at 510.215.4110 or visit the Welcome Center on campus in person.

Apply

3 – Enroll in Required FYE Classes

SPRING 2025 FYE Classes

You must take and pass English, Math, Counseling 120, and Counseling 130 or 140 to complete the First Year Experience Program.

Please speak to your FYE success coach and counselor if you are completing a certificate program, in ESL, Puente/Puente MaS or otherwise are unable to complete these courses.

Course	Course Title	Section + Instructor	Times
English 1AX	Intensive Composition and Reading	Section 3670 In-Person (5 units) Instructor Maricela Ramirez	Mon + Wed 10:00am-12:30pm \| *GE 104*
Math 164 + 164S	Introduction to Probability and Statistics	Sections 3467 + 3496 In-Person (5 units) Instructor Devon O’Rourke	Mon + Wed 9:35am-10:25am\| *AA 143* Tue + Thu 9:35am-10:45am *AA 143* 11:10am-12:35pm *AA 202*
Counseling 130	Career and Major Exploration	Section 3539 Fully Online (1.5 units) Instructor Sarah Boland	Jan 27 – Mar 21
Counseling 140	Job Search Strategies	Section 3541 Fully Online (1.5 units) Instructor Sarah Boland	Mar 31 – May 23

4 – Attend Two or More Success Workshops per Semester

FYE students are required to attend two or more success workshops per semester.

These workshops are designed to enhance essential academic and personal skills, such as time management, study techniques, and stress management. Attending these workshops helps first-year students build a strong foundation for their college journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet academic challenges and succeed in their studies.

5 – Sign up for Spring Courses

FYE students are also be required to sign up for spring classes as soon as registration becomes available to remain in the program.

Early registration ensures that students secure their desired courses and maintain a full-time course load, which is essential for staying on track with their academic plans and meeting program requirements. This proactive approach helps students avoid scheduling conflicts and supports their continued success in the FYE program.

FYE Eligibility

Eligibility and Participation Requirements:

Summer Bridge:
Participate in the Summer Bridge program to help transition smoothly into college life.
Complete Steps to Success:
Follow the outlined steps to get started, including orientation and placement assessments.
Enroll in Required Classes:
Register for and complete the courses designated by the FYE program to support your academic success.
Attend 2 Success Workshops per Semester:
Participate in at least two workshops each semester focused on enhancing your academic and personal skills.
CCC Student for Fall & Spring:
Maintain enrollment as a full-time student at Contra Costa College during both the fall and spring semesters.

Student Resources

At Contra Costa College, we provide essential resources to support your academic journey. Our comprehensive support services are designed to help you succeed in your studies, manage personal challenges, prepare for your career, and smoothly transition to four-year institutions.

Basic Needs Center

The Basic Needs Center supports students facing food, housing, or financial insecurities, ensuring they can focus on studies. Services include a food pantry, emergency housing, and financial aid.

Flexible Schedules

Find a schedule that fits your life! With daytime, evening, weekend, and asynchronous classes, you can balance your studies with other commitments.

Communities of Belonging

Find your people! Join a club, learning community, or student government. Connect, grow, and thrive with our communities. Participate in events that enrich your experience.