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Jeanelle Hope is a First-Generation Scholar
Even as a child, Jeanelle Hope loved history. “I enjoyed reading biographies, and learning about historical figures at an early age,” she remembers. “My aunt bought me this boxed set of biographies of African American figures. And, by the time I got to 9th or 10th grade, I realized that history was my favorite subject.”…
Video Game Marketing Pro Cristian Cardona Learned a Lot at CCC
Cristian Cardona didn’t know what he wanted to do when he graduated from Richmond High School in 1996. But, he knew he didn’t want to spend a ton of money at a university while he tried to figure it out. So, he came to CCC, and earned an associate degree in liberal arts. That gave…
CCC Taught Mauricio Flores the Value of an Education
Mauricio Flores is about to get his bachelor’s in cell, molecular and developmental biology at the University of California, Riverside. He’s currently fielding offers from employers and graduate schools. And, he says it’s his experience at Contra Costa College that makes him stand out among applicants. “It gave me a competitive edge to say I…
Elisha Patterson Says ‘You’re Not Alone’ at CCC
For Elisha Patterson, CCC was a second chance and a transformative experience. Like about 30% of current CCC students, Elisha enrolled as an older, returning student. After high school, she felt she needed to focus on work. “In Richmond, I think we’re raised to do K through 12,” she explains, “but, also asked, ‘How are…
Victor Bolan Jr. Came Back to Make a Difference
Victor Bolan Jr. was born and raised in Richmond. Like many of his peers, he came to Contra Costa College (CCC) after high school unsure of what path he wanted to take. “I was just doing small courses here and there,” Victor says. “Sometimes part-time, sometimes full-time. My courses were scattered. I had over 85…
CCC Students Awarded at Kennedy Center Festival
Contra Costa College students brought home two awards from the American College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center last month. In order to attend the regional competition, students must be nominated by judges who see various college performances in their respective areas. Seven nominated CCC students participated in this year’s festival. Diego Loza was nominated…
New CCC Foundation Funds Back Campus Improvements, Student Support
You might notice a few interesting improvements around the Contra Costa College campus this year, like soundproofing of the tutoring area, and a new state-of-the-art drinking fountain in the Student Services Building. Those are just two of the eight projects being funded in 2019 through the Contra Costa College Foundation’s new Program Innovation Fund (PIF) and…
Genirberg Family Scholarship Established with $50,000 Gift to CCC Foundation
On a dreary February day in 2018, Contra Costa College Foundation Director Sara Marcellino answered her phone. Sam Genirberg, a 93-year-old Jewish activist and resident of El Cerrito, was on the other line. He was calling in response to a personal note he had received from the foundation, thanking him for the donation he had…
‘You Only Have One Life!’ Says Business Major Quynh Pham
Quynh Pham was born and raised in Vietnam. She moved to the US just 14 years ago. “When I came here,” she recalls, “it was very hard for me to learn English. I was very nervous to talk to people. I’m scared I’ll pronounce things wrong. And, in Vietnam, we learned British English, and sometimes…
CCC Brought Christine Sanok Out of Retirement–and Took Her to Italy!
It’s never too late to go back to school! Christine Sanok heard about CCC’s culinary program at her retirement dinner, from a friend who had heard her mention culinary school before. “I wanted to be a blessing to my family and friends,” Christine explains. “I wasn’t very confident in the kitchen. We host one event…
