| | Welcome to 4CD Community News, an online newsletter designed to provide news and information to our greater community. The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) encompasses three colleges: Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College in Pittsburg and Brentwood. | | |
Early College Credit Gives High School Students a Boost
Did you know… the Contra Costa Community College District provides early college credit opportunities for high school students?
Utilizing a range of early college credit models that address the diverse needs of students, 4CD provides unique opportunities at all three colleges to help youth get ahead.
High school students can take college classes tuition-free! Whether through a College and Career Access Pathways partnership with their high school (dual enrollment) or enrolling in classes on a college campus (concurrent enrollment), students get a head start on their college journey while earning college credits and fulfilling graduation requirements.
“I've had an amazing experience in my high school and college classes, and I've had a great time with other college resources,” said high school senior Lilli John-MonDragon (pictured above). “The teachers are extremely supportive, and our counselor is amazing. There's also such an amazing feeling of independence you get taking college classes."
Read the full article.
Learn more:
Contra Costa College "Start Early"
Diablo Valley College High School Programs
Los Medanos College Early College Credit
| |
Students Travel to DC to Advocate for Community Colleges
Fifteen students from Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College traveled to Washington, D.C. in March to participate in the American Student Association of Community Colleges conference and advocate for issues important to students and the colleges they represent.
The team conducted legislative visits with members of Congress and their staff to discuss issues such as access to mental health resources, helping non-traditional students overcome technological barriers, funding for STEM resources and research opportunities, as well as immigration reform and protections for undocumented students.
In their downtime, they toured the city, visiting Capitol Hill, Georgetown University, the Lincoln Memorial, and several other landmarks.
"This experience pushed me to grow as a leader, teaching me to speak confidently on behalf of others," said Salvador Velazquez, President of the LMC Associated Students. "Moving forward, I hope to expand these engagement opportunities at LMC so students feel empowered to use their voice and make a change."
| |
Foundation Pays Off Student Debt for 2026 Graduates
Graduation is right around the corner, and nearly 200 Contra Costa College students will leave with a diploma and no school debt!
In a surprise for students, the nonprofit CCC Foundation, agreed to pay off the remaining tuition and fees for all Spring 2026 graduates who qualify for in-state tuition under California law.
By clearing these debts—averaging $173 per student—the Foundation is helping graduates access diplomas, transcripts, and job opportunities without financial holds. The largest debt erased was $980; the smallest, $2.
“Our donors and board wanted graduates to leave knowing their community is behind them,” said Foundation Executive Director Sara Marcellino. “The cost of living is high, especially in the Bay Area, and we wanted to invest in their future.”
Several local news outlets covered the story — watch the video clips below!
| | Pictured from left: Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, Governing Board member Andy Li, DVC President Dr. Monica Chahal, Classified Professional of the Year Arturo Torres, Governing Board Vice President Fernando Sandoval, Student Trustee Sophie Khouri, and Governing Board member Rebecca Barrett. | |
Classified Professional of the Year, Newly Tenured Faculty Honored at Districtwide Celebration
Faculty, staff and administrators from around the District gathered April 15 for the 20th Annual Classified Professional of the Year celebration honoring Arturo Torres, along with 4CD's 21 newly tenured faculty members (see photos).
Arturo, who serves as a custodian, has made an incredible impact on the Diablo Valley College campus through his dedication, hard work, and commitment to supporting students and colleagues alike. His contributions continue to strengthen our community and create a more welcoming, supportive environment for everyone.
His philosophy is simple: "Treat others the way you'd like to be treated," Arturo says. "That's why I treat students the way they should be treated. At the end of the day, we are who we are because of them."
| |
Student Earns Statewide Leadership Award
Congratulations to Contra Costa College student Ode Tso Kunthar, who recently received the Student Leadership Award from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.
"Ode Tso Kunthar brings courage, clarity, and conviction to every space she enters," said State Chancellor Sonya Christian.
Ode is a political science student, a former dual enrollment student (see article above about early college credit!), and a Tibetan refugee whose advocacy is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. She serves as president of the Contra Costa College Associated Student Union and as Legislative Affairs director for Region III of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC).
She also co directs the SSCCC’s statewide work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti Racism, and Accessibility. Her leadership, volunteerism, and impact extend throughout the greater community.
| |
Voters to Consider Facilities Bond on June Ballot
As we first reported in the February issue of Community News, the 4CD Governing Board voted in January to place a facilities bond (Measure G) on the June 2 primary ballot.
If approved by Contra Costa voters, the bond would fund building repairs, replacements, and upgrades at all three colleges to meet current safety, technology, and sustainability standards.
Learn more.
| | | Contra Costa Community College District | 500 Court Street | Martinez, CA 94553 US | | | | |
