September 2024

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 

Every year, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This month-long celebration is dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans who have played vital roles in shaping our country. Join us at various special events throughout the month to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Hispanic Americans and their impact on our society.

Fall 2024 Grad Check Fest

Join counseling on September 10th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm in B-100 (Business Building) for the Class of 2024 Grad Check Festival! This is a day when students can complete a graduation check and apply for graduation with a counselor while enjoying an afternoon of food and games. You should attend this event if you meet one of the following criteria: 

• All the classes for your degree/certificate will be completed in fall 2024

• All the classes for your degree/certificate have been completed and you never applied for graduation

• Have 45+ units for associate degree and transfer students

• Have not yet applied for graduation

 No appointments will be needed to meet with a counselor. More

Conference with Us - Immigrants Rising

Undocumented and DACA students are invited to a conference on Thursday, September 12 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in room B-100. The conference aims to support student success and facilitate the smooth transition of undocumented, DACA, and prospective students from mixed-status families into college. In a welcoming and supportive setting, students can access peer-to-peer guidance and resources to help them achieve their educational and career goals. More

Happening in Student Health Services

Exciting News! The Student Health Service is thrilled to present an incredible series of workshops this September designed to empower and support every student. Dive into topics that matter most with sessions like Managing Anxiety Group, Grief Support Group, Gentle Growth Group, Her Story Empowerment Group, and the Create & Connect Art Group.

These workshops are more than just sessions—they're your chance to gain essential skills, find community, and boost your mental well-being. Best of all, registration is completely free! Don’t miss out, join us and discover the tools to thrive this semester! More

Summer Enrollment Grows by 7% Over Prior Year

San Bernardino Valley College is enjoying a vibrant summer semester, marked by a 7% increase in enrollment, growing from 7,559 students in Summer 2023 to 8,089 in Summer 2024. A particularly exciting development is that 28% of these students are first-time enrollees, a boost attributed to the extension of the Books+ rental program, which provides free books and materials to students. This initiative, along with focused campus-wide efforts in enrollment, retention, and innovative outreach, has played a key role in the growth.

As SBVC enters its 99th year, the college continues to be a cornerstone of higher education in the San Bernardino community. Dr. Gilbert Contreras, the newly appointed 15th president, expressed his enthusiasm for the positive trends, stating, "Seeing more students choose SBVC for their summer studies is a clear indication of the college’s impact and appeal. We are committed to continuing our support for students and providing an enriching educational experience."

SBVC Faculty Spotlights

New Job Training Center Coming to Inland Empire.

The San Bernardino Community College District has received a $3 million federal grant to build a cutting-edge job training center in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Set to open by 2028, the center will be located at SBCCD's Economic Development & Corporate Training site near the San Bernardino International Airport.

The California Community Colleges Responds to Affordable Housing Shortage

California's affordable housing shortage has reached critical levels, forcing many community college students to choose between paying for rent and continuing their education. Learn more about the challenges students face and how community colleges are responding to this urgent need for affordable housing.

California Community Colleges Celebrate Historically Black Colleges

and Universities (HBCU) Week in California

The resolution, ARC 222 introduced by Assembly member Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), recognizes the significant role that HBCUs play in supporting Black student success and will celebrate that role annually during the fourth week of September. While California is not home to an HBCU, the state is committed to creating and scaling investments that support Black student success. This includes the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Pathway which helps students successfully transfer to one of more than 30 partner HBCUs.

HBCUs are engines for upward mobility for many Americans. While they only make up 3% of the total number of colleges in the U.S., HBCUs collectively graduate 20% of all Black students. HBCUs are also leading institutions in producing black professionals having graduated 40% of all Black engineers, 40% of all Black representatives in Congress, 50% of all Black lawyers, 50% of all Black doctors, and 80% of all Black judges, according to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Number to Know

58% of college graduates say their parents provided financial support during or after college; 48% relied on a parent to live with after graduation. Source

17% of hiring managers say their employers are not very (15%) or not (2%) willing to hire young Gen Zers for full-time roles; 56% of these professionals say their employers are offering part-time roles instead, and 47% have contract work. 45% provide paid internships and 17% offer unpaid internships. Source

85% of Students would take a course in personal finance if it were available and they got credit toward their degree; 83% feel insecure about their finances, but 74% would grade themselves an A or B on personal finance knowledge. Source

Quick Takes

• Employers offer interviews and higher pay to those with AI skills. More
• Student AI use surges, leaving faculty behind. More
• The College Board’s FAFSA takeover. More
• SBVC Special Program Information Sessions. More
• SBVC Upcoming events. More

San Bernardino Valley College | (909) 384-4400 | studentsuccess@valleycollege.edu 

San Bernardino Valley College provides innovative instructional programs and cohesive student services to support the educational goals of a culturally diverse community of learners by engaging in continuous improvement and actively working towards an antiracist culture to foster an environment of meaningful learning and belonging for our students, employees, and the community.