First Year Programs for Black & African American Students

UMOJA Success Program

Be a part of a community of scholars designed with you in mind! The Umoja Success Program assists African American students and others in achieving academic and life success through the exploration of Black Culture and Hip Hop. The program is a dynamic learning experience shared by a group of students with faculty that is committed to their success. Umoja, a place to call home!

So what’s in it for you? A community to support you, trips, mentorship, free school supplies and much more

If you want to go fast, then go alone. If you’re going to go far, go together! —UMOJA!

First Year Programs for Latinx Students

Puente Program

The Puente program is designed to help students achieve academic success, while instilling a sense of belonging and getting students a path to transfer to a 4-year college or university. Students will take four transfer courses with textbooks provided at no cost. These courses will get you more familiar with the transfer process, major and career decision-making process, and build your leadership skills. The most unique aspect of the Puente program is that the professors approach these four subjects through a Latina/o perspective. Including Latina/o authors, historical and contemporary issues in the Latina/o community, and different themes pertaining to the Latina/o community.

Through Puente you will receive counseling, guidance, mentorship, campus and cultural trips, and assistance with transferring to a CSU, UC, or Private Universities.

Cerritos Complete Promise Program

Cerritos Complete, a California College Promise Program, is our student success initiative that focuses on our students’ pledge to earn and complete their degrees or certificates on time. Cerritos Complete Promise Program is a partnership between Cerritos College and our partner school districts: ABC, Bellflower, Compton, Downey, Lynwood, Norwalk-La Mirada, and Paramount Unified School Districts. Cerritos Complete Promise Program also includes certain private and charter schools. For a list of eligible schools view our website at www.cerritos.edu/cerritos-complete/Schools.htm.

The Cerritos Complete Promise Program is available to high school seniors or adult students completing high school equivalency to smoothly transition to college. This program provides opportunities to obtain the skills and knowledge needed for college, explore a variety of careers, save money on their college education, and graduate from college on-time.

Benefits

• Two-years free tuition (in-state rates only)
• Two-years of early enrollment
• Step by step assistance to prepare you for College
• One-on-one counseling and advisement
• Career exploration
• Personalized educational plans

High School Senior or Equivalency Requirements

• You must be a graduating high school senior or completing high school equivalency in one of our partner schools.
• You must complete the eligibility steps by the deadlines

How Do I Sign-up For the Cerritos Complete Promise Program?

Students can apply to the College starting in October and students must submit an interest form by March 2. Visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/cerritoscomplete/ to learn more about the program and view the program steps and deadlines. Contact us at (562) 860-2451, ext. 2212 or cerritoscomplete@cerritos.edu.

Learning Communities Program

Learning communities involve the intentional creation of class pairs or clusters. The same group of students is co-enrolled in two or more courses, usually from different disciplines. Students enroll in courses but receive a separate grade for each one. Classroom activities, tests, assignments, field trips, research projects, and educational technology are used to engage students in their own learning, as well as provide them with valuable “real-world” skills.

Perhaps more importantly, the learning community model promotes student-centered learning, with an emphasis on an enriched classroom environment. It promotes greater intellectual growth and genuine mastery of course content through collaborative activities, frequent feedback, and increased student-teacher and student-student interactions.

What Are the Benefits of Joining a Learning Community?

• Smooth your transition into college
• Meet other students and form lasting friendships as you take classes together as a cohort
• Learn how to choose your major and reach your academic goals sooner
• Graduate or transfer to a four-year college or university sooner
• Increase your learning and earn better grades
• Designated Counselor

Are Learning Community Courses Transferable?

Many of the courses are transferable to the CSU’s and UC’s. See the Schedule of Classes, the Cerritos College Catalog or meet with your counselor to check specific courses.

What Are the Requirements to Enroll?

• Meet the prerequisites for all courses. The prerequisites are listed in the Cerritos College Catalog and must be met prior to enrollment.
• Enroll in all courses listed for that Learning Community

How Will Learning Community Courses Be Listed On My Transcript?

Your transcript will reflect the classes as separate courses.

First Year Experience Program

First Year Experience program (FYE) is a student success program designed to help students make a smooth and successful transition into college. FYE pairs classes together in “Houses” that focus on an area of interest and/or major; creating cohorts of students with shared interest. FYE provides a supportive and welcoming learning community environment where students connect with one another and with creative faculty members. The FYE Houses are packaged together during prime class times, so they work well with your schedule and are guaranteed to the first 30 students who sign a contract. FYE also has events during the semester aimed at connecting you to campus and community.

For more information about Learning Communities, please visit our website at https://www.cerritos.edu/lc/, email us at learningcommunities@cerritos.edu, call (562)860-2451 X2212, or stop by the Office in the Multipurpose Building, Room MP100A-F.

Teacher TRAC

The Teacher Training Academy (Teacher TRAC) offers a guided pathway for any student interested in teaching at any level. Teacher TRAC focuses on preparing future pre-school, elementary school, special education, secondary, and Career Technical Education teachers to prepare for transferring to a four-year degree and credential.

Students who join Teacher TRAC have the opportunity to participate in work experience in schools, paid internships, specialized counseling, participation in conferences and workshops for teachers, classes targeted for future teachers, and access to Teacher TRAC Scholarships.

Change a life, shape a future, and give back to your community. Become a teacher! California schools need new teachers each year. One of them can be you!

How Do I Apply?

Applications for the program are accepted each semester. Visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/teachertrac or www.teachertrac.com for an application and more information, or call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2212 or email teachertrac@cerritos.edu.

Scholars' Honors Program

The Scholars’ Honors Program (SHP) is the academic and social home that Cerritos College provides for talented and motivated students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. The SHP values students who embrace creativity, innovation, critical thinking, open-mindedness, research, collaboration, lifelong learning, community service, and academic integrity. The SHP provides transfer-bound students with the opportunity to enrich themselves through participation in unique, challenging, and interactive educational experiences. The SHP promotes this goal by providing an office that supports and assists students by offering Honors course sections taught by outstanding professors, and by offering opportunities for students to work one-on-one with these faculty members on undergraduate research projects.

Benefits Of Honors

• Priority Registration for all Cerritos College Courses
• Special Admissions Agreements with Universities
• Transferable Honors Courses (Lower Class Size)
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Closer Interaction with Honors Faculty
• Designated Honors Counselors
• Special Assistance from the Honors Office
• Private Graduation Ceremony
• Travel to Conferences (approved expenses paid)
• Free UCLA and UC Irvine Library Card
• Honors Courses Designated on Transcripts
• Honors Scholarship & Other Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer Partners

• UCLA                                      
• UC Irvine                               
• Pomona College                   
• Pitzer College              
• Scripps College                   
• Mill College                 
• Amherst College
• LMU
• Smith College
• Gonzaga University
• Tufts University
• University of Arizona
• Brandeis University
• …and other institutions.

Minimum Criteria For Admission

• 3.0 Cumulative GPA
• Consistent Academic Record
• Complete English 100 Honors and/or English 103 Honors after being admitted to the program

Completion Requirements For the Program

SHP students must maintain a 3.0+ cumulative GPA in all their transferable courses, complete the Honors Writing Requirement, complete Plan C and major requirements, and complete five honors courses with a “B” or better.

Further Information Contact

• Phone: (562) 860-2451, ext. 2728
• Email: use the “Contact Us” option at www.cerritos.edu/shp/
• Office: LC-206 (2nd floor of the Success Center)

Services for Students

Counseling Services

Counseling services are available to all Cerritos College students. Counseling services support students in navigating the registration process, planning classes, choosing a major, exploring transfer options, and more. The Counseling Department also offers students support with exploring different careers. See Career Services to find out more information about exploring careers and related majors.

To meet with a counselor, students can choose from in-person or online meetings by appointment or attend drop-in counseling hours. More information can be found at www.cerritos.edu/counseling.

CalWORKs

The Cerritos College CalWORKs Program assists students who are parents with children under the age of 18 receiving cash aid through the state of California CalWORKs Program, are in good standing with the college, and have developed or are in the process of developing a welfare- to-work plan with the local county welfare office. The program provides eligible students with the following support services: academic, career and/or transfer, and personal counseling services; Priority Enrollment; one-on-one new student orientations; Basic Needs assistance; math tutoring; computer lab; study rooms; workshops and scholarship opportunities; referrals to campus- and community-based organizations; and up-to-date information regarding welfare regulations, rules, and requirements. The staff advocates for students with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) in order to ensure that county, state, and federal regulations are administered fairly and correctly. For eligible students, the CalWORKs Office also provides a work-study program, which includes career guidance, assistance with resume writing, mock interviewing skill building, Pre-Employment Preparation (PEP) workshops, and subsidized paid work-study placements on campus.

The CalWORKs office is located in the Santa Barbara Building. To make an appointment with a CalWORKs Counselor, please call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2593 or email us at calworks-info@cerritos.edu. For additional information, please visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/calworks.

Career Services

The Career Services Office, located on the second floor of the Multi-purpose Building (MP201), assists students in exploring and planning their academic and educational goals.  They also support students who are undecided about their majors and/or vocational goals.

Transfer Center

The Transfer Center is designed to guide Cerritos College students to four-year colleges and universities. The Transfer Center provides information on transfer programs and requirements, provides information on financial assistance for transfer, and personal contact with representatives from colleges and universities. For further information, visit www.cerritos.edu/transfer.

Student Health Services

Health services are available to all currently enrolled students at Cerritos College upon proof of enrollment and paid student health fee for coordinating semesters. Student Health Services is staffed by a group of professionals that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and clerical support. They are all dedicated to your health and wellness. SHS is able to provide basic outpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and sub-acute illnesses and injuries. A brief overview of services includes basic urgent care, preventive care, women’s and men’s health care, as well as chiropractic and dietician appointments, and a variety of support services (Narcan training, free fentanyl test strips, free condoms, pharmacy, laboratory, health education, etc.). We invite you to visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/shs or call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2321. We are located on the southeast corner of campus and would like to extend an invitation for you to stop in and visit us. First aid and community referrals (e.g., optometry, low-cost care clinics) are available to all faculty, staff, and visitors. 

Health Insurance

School-related injuries/accidents and international student insurance are also available through the SHS. Voluntary, supplemental insurance coverage programs are available for health and hospitalization coverage. Students interested should contact Student Health Services at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2321, for insurance referrals.

Mental Wellness Program

Mental health services, including brief, short-term therapy, crisis intervention, and community referrals are available to students experiencing emotional concerns. Please contact Student Health Services at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2321, for assistance or visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/shs.

Falcon's Nest

The Falcon's Nest provides centralized support services for students facing basic need insecurities. This is accomplished through access to on and off campus resources, community collaboration, and advocacy that ensures a student's educational success. The Falcon's Nest is located off of Lot 2, near the food court. For Basic Needs Inquiries: FalconsNest@cerritos.edu.

Food Resources

Calfresh

CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). CalFresh dollars help stretch a tight food budget and help many people afford to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diets.

CalFresh is the name of the USDA-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the state of California. Recipients receive and “spend” CalFresh benefits electronically, via personal Golden State Advantage electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that look just like any other credit or debit cards. For CalFresh Inquiries: CalFresh@cerritos.edu.

Food Bank Distribution

Cerritos College is proud to partner with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for monthly food distributions on campus. Food resources are available to students and members of the local community. Distributions are held every 4th Wednesday of the month from 9-11am in Lot 1. Some dates may vary. Please check the Falcon's Nest home page for up to date information on the next distribution.

Grocery Card Assistance

Grocery card assistance is designed for students who are not eligible for CalFresh however, are eligible through financial aid for assistance. In addition, grocery cards may be available for students experiencing food insecurity.

We would like to encourage all students to connect with our CalFresh Outreach team at calfresh@cerritos.edu to determine their CalFresh eligibility for these food benefits.

Grocery card requests are processed at various times of the month and may take 2 weeks from the date of request to the date of distribution.

Franco's Market

Franco's Market is a one stop shop for students and our local community to access food. From fresh produce, baked goods, and frozen meats, you can make a hearty meal for yourself and your family to enjoy.

Student and community members can access Franco's Market using Pantry Soft, a virtual shopping experiencing where you can shop for food and hygiene items, supplied at the Falcon's Nest as well as schedule an appointment to pick up your items.

*Please note Franco's Market can be accessed twice a month for most students and once a month for community members. The best time to place an order is Monday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. We recommend ordering items one day in advance, items ordered more than once day in advance may be unavailable at appointment time.

For more information or questions please email falconsnest@cerritos.edu

Housing Resources

In partnership with Cerritos College, Jovenes, Inc. offers multiple college-focused housing options to students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity so they can focus on achieving their educational goals. For additional information, email Jovenes at CerritosPN@jovenesinc.org or complete the Jovenes Housing Screening Form

Child Development Center

The Cerritos College Child Development Center Program is open for services to students, college employees, and the community. The Center is also a laboratory school for future teachers in the field of Early Childhood Education. We are committed to providing an outstanding quality program that is welcoming, nurturing, stimulating, creative, and safe for children ages 2 to 5 years old. We are a 5-star child development program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. We pride ourselves on building meaningful relationships where the children, families, and community are at the heart of our preschool program. The Child Development Center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30a.m. to 5 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, students interested in these services may visit our website to fill out a “Request for Child Development Services Form” or call (562) 860-2452, ext. 2583.

La Metro GoPass

Cerritos College students who pay their Student Activities Fee each semester can now ride and transfer between several transit systems all over L.A. county thanks to a Metro pilot program called GoPass. The pass will allow you unlimited rides on: City of Commerce, Culver CityBus, Foothill Transit, Gardena Transit (GTrans), Long Beach Transit, Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) DASH, Los Angeles Metro (bus and rail), Montebello Bus, Norwalk Transit, Pasadena Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Torrance Transit. Apply for your GoPass at www.cerritos.edu/gopass.

Student Accessibility Services

(Formerly Disabled Student Programs & Services)

Cerritos Community College District affirms its programs and activities are available to all qualified persons without regard to disability. The College is also subject to Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The primary objective of the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is to provide accommodations for students with a disability in campus programs and activities to the greatest extent feasible. The ability of each student with a disability to function independently in the collegiate environment is the ultimate goal. Inquiries regarding the Student Accessibility Services or the District’s non-discrimination policy relative to Sections 504 and 508 should be directed to the Dean of Student Accessibility and Wellness Services.

Individuals with a disability may receive support services and instruction from Student Accessibility Services at Cerritos. Students with mobility, visual, hearing, speech, psychological and other health impairments as well as learning and developmental disabilities are served. The student with a disability seeking admission to Cerritos College must meet these levels of independence:

1. The ability to negotiate the campus facilities independently or with the assistance of an attendant;
2. The ability to take care of personal needs (feeding, toileting) unassisted or to provide one’s own attendant; and
3. The possession of a stable level of health to benefit from a full semester’s work.

All students are provided with an initial interview, counseling, and referral. Non-classroom related assistance for qualified students includes registration assistance, campus orientation, accommodated placement tests, learning disability eligibility assessment, matriculation, and support with disability management issues. For further information or an initial appointment contact SAS at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2335; (562) 274-7164/VP; or visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/sas.

SAS services available to qualified students include disability management, in-class aides, note-taking assistance, tutoring referral, test-taking assistance, textbooks in alternate formats, liaison with instructors and other campus offices, community agency resource information, liaison with the Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies, and use of specialized equipment.

High Tech Center

The High Tech Center (HTC) provides instruction and technology support to students with disabilities. This includes training on the use of assistive technology software. The HTC also houses the Alternate Media Production Center, which produces textbooks and other course materials in alternate formats such as Braille, MP3, and e-text.

Campus Food Services

There are a variety of food service locations on campus:

Student Center Food Court

• Healthy Blender – crepes, acai bowls, specialty and boba drinks. Snap/EBT Accepted.
• The Grill at La Mesa – breakfast all day, sandwiches, hamburgers, panini’s, and more. Snap/EBT Accepted.
• Subway - customizable sandwiches, salad, and soups.
• Perfect Timing – Asian-inspired food.  Snap/EBT Accepted.
• Student Center Culinary Arts Café - sandwiches, salads, and entrées.

Social ScienceS Building Breezeway

• Zebra Coffee - prepared coffee and tea beverages, such as blended drinks, espresso-based drinks, and much more. Pastries and breakfast sandwiches available.
• Frantones – pizza, pasta, and grab-n-go options.

Multipurpose Building

• Elbow Room - Convenience store with grab-and-go beverages, candy, snacks, and meals.  Snap/EBT Accepted.
• Cassidy’s Corner Café - bagels, sandwiches, and specialty coffee drinks.

For current hours and online ordering availability, please visit: https://www.cerritos.edu/activities/vendingservices.htm.

Veterans' Services

The Veterans’ Education Office offers information regarding applications and certification for benefits for those eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill, Selected Reserve, VEAP, Vocational Rehabilitation, or Survivors and Dependents of deceased or disabled veterans. The primary function of this office is to certify to the Veteran’s Administration that eligible veterans are enrolled at the college and pursuing an approved educational goal.

Veterans’ Resource Center

The Veterans’ Resource Center (VRC) is a one-stop center that houses certifying officials, veteran’s counselors, tutors, and other valuable resources. There are computers available for veteran students’ use and assistive technology for improved learning. Visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/va for more information.

UndocuFalcon Scholars Program

The UndocuFalcon Scholars Program (USP) provides a safe space and support to Undocumented/Dreamer/AB540 and mix-status students at Cerritos College. Its goal is to empower undocumented students and address their needs through resources and services that enhance and support their academic, career and personal journey.

The program offers guidance, resources, financial aid and scholarship application assistance, immigration legal services, mental health services, informational sessions related to immigration policies, and workshops that center the undocumented experience.

For more information email undocu@cerritos.edu.

D.R.E.A.M. Club

We are Undocumented Leaders Empowering All Dreams through Education, Resources, and Support (UndocuLEADERS) at Cerritos College. As a club we are here, “to empower students through education, bring awareness, and guide the campus in order to achieve equity in higher education.”

For further information regarding the UndocuLEADERS Club please email us at UndocuLEADERS.Cerritos@gmail.com.

Student Life & Leadership

Associated Students

The Associated Students of Cerritos College (ASCC) provides the governing body that finances, organizes, and directs many programs for the student population. It co-sponsors with the district such activities as athletics, fine arts programs, forensics, and the student newspaper.

The ASCC student government includes legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Participation in these programs and other campus activities has been a significant part of many students’ college experience.

Student Activity Sticker & Identification Card

ASCC utilizes the revenue collected from the Student Activity fee to support academic, co-curricular, and student life programs, services, and events.

A student activity sticker and identification card can be obtained from the Student I.D. Center which is located in the Admissions and Records Office in the Administration Building.

It is important that students be in possession of their Cerritos College identification card at all times while on the campus. This card is necessary for “buy-backs” in the College Bookstore and it is important to present when using the College Library and Student Health Center.

Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to participate in campus organizations. Cerritos College offers a variety of campus clubs and organizations for every phase of campus life. They provide opportunities for students in social, service, curricular, and special interest programs.

The club program consists of approximately 60 clubs on campus. Every year new clubs are chartered as they are requested by students. Every club on campus is a part of the Inter-Club Council which meets regularly to discuss activities, projects and problems pertaining to its members.

Information concerning clubs may be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs, located in the Auto Partners Building.

The Associated Students also co-sponsors with the District such activities as Athletics, Choir, Band, Forensics, Drama, and Talon Marks.

Athletics

Cerritos Athletics is a member of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and offers 19 intercollegiate sports, 10 for men and nine for women. 17 of the teams compete in the powerful South Coast Conference, while football (Southern California Football Association) and wrestling (Southern California Wrestling Alliance) are members of other conferences. Visit our website at www.cerritosfalcons.com for more information and a listing of sports.

Re-Entry Resource Program

The Re-entry Resource Program assists adults returning to Cerritos College make a smooth transition, overcome barriers unique to returning adults, and successfully attain their college goals and objectives.

Services include personal assistance, orientations, workshops based on re-entry student issues, support groups, and information regarding child care, financial aid, career counseling, job placement and community resources. Re-entry students of varied ages find these services relevant to their needs and interests.

The Re-entry Resource Program is open Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30pm. Summer hours may vary. Call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2362, for more information.

Student Employment Resources

Cerritos College students and alumni who are seeking employment may review job listings received by Career Services. Job listings are accessible anytime, anywhere through JobSpeaker, the college’s job search platform. Assistance in seeking internships is also provided. Guidance with resumé writing, and interviewing skills is available by appointment. Student Employment coordinates the bi-annual job fairs, Employer Business Panel, and on-campus employer information tables. Student Employment is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8 a.m. -5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Summer hours may vary. For more information call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2395; email studentemployment@cerritos.edu; or visit www.cerritos.edu/student-employment.

Accident Insurance

Accident insurance is provided by Cerritos College to all enrolled students in the event of an accident or injury during college sponsored and supervised activities. It may assist in covering medical bills incurred by students and athletes. There are benefit limitations and some exclusions in the policy, so it is important to work with the Student Health Services staff to insure optimum coverage. Students enrolled at Cerritos College, whose children are injured while using the officially designated childcare facility on campus, are covered by accident insurance. If you have any questions, please contact Student Health Services at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2321.

College Bookstore

The Cerritos College Bookstore is maintained by the Follett Higher Education Group in association with the ASCC. The store carries required materials, new and used textbooks, reference materials, school supplies, snacks, imprinted gifts and clothing. Visit our website at www.bkstr.com/cerritosstore/home for current hours and information.

Textbook Rental

The bookstore is offering select textbooks for rent. The renter must be 18 years of age with a government issued ID, a valid credit card, and a valid student ID to be eligible to rent. Rented textbooks may be kept for the entire semester in which they are rented and are due back to the bookstore on the last day of finals. Any rented books not returned to the bookstore by the due date will be charged their full price to the renter’s credit card plus a processing fee. For more information regarding the textbook rental program, please refer to the rental website at https://www.bkstr.com/cerritosstore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials.

Used Book Buyback at The Bookstore

The bookstore arranges several formal buybacks during the school year, but will buy back a book anytime throughout the year. The Bookstore shall purchase used textbooks adopted for the next academic term in quantities sufficient to meet course requirements at up to 50% of the purchase price. The Bookstore shall purchase used books not adopted for the next academic term or in excess of course requirements at published national market value.

Bookstore Refund Policy

1. Non-textbook items may be refunded or exchanged within 48 hours with the original receipt, providing the merchandise is in resalable condition.
2. Textbooks may be refunded with receipt within seven (7) calendar days from the start of classes or within two (2) days of purchase thereafter.
3. Textbooks purchased during the last week of classes or during exams may be sold back under the book buyback policy.
4. In addition, upon proof of drop/add, the Bookstore will accept course material returns (textbooks) from students who have dropped a course until the end of the official campus drop/add period.

Foster & Kinship Care Education Programs

Foster and Kinship Care Education programs provide foster parents and relative caregivers with educational workshops to enhance and develop parenting skills related to caring for the children in their care. Emancipated foster youth also have the opportunity to take classes to learn independent living skills.

There are two programs under the Foster and Kinship Care Education umbrella:

1. The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Training is a 12-hour training conducted for prospective foster parents, as is required by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS); and
2. Foster & Kinship Care Renewal Courses, which give care providers the opportunity to take topical courses, which are required in order to maintain a foster parent license.

All of the classes are free to participants. All classes are free to participants, and are held in both English and Spanish. Classes are mainly held on the Cerritos College Campus. To obtain more information or to register for classes, please contact (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2548.

Library & Learning Resource Center

The Cerritos College Library and Learning Resource Center (LRC), located near the center of the campus, provides a wide range of materials and services. In addition to several classrooms and faculty offices, the facility houses the Library, an open computer lab, the Center for Teaching Excellence, Media Services (technology and multi-media support for faculty and staff), the Teleconference Center, the Math Learning Center (for semi-independent math courses), and the Success Center. Students have easy access throughout the building via ramps and elevators. All areas of the Library and Learning Resource Center are staffed with qualified personnel who are eager to help you.

The Library

Students, faculty, staff, and district residents are invited to use the College Library, where they can enjoy access both online and in-person to over 100,000 books, articles, and videos. Students, faculty, and staff may use their campus ID as their library card, and district residents may purchase a library card at the Circulation Desk in the library. Access to a wide variety of literature and reference databases is available by using the in-house computers or (for students, faculty, and staff) remotely from your home computer. All library resources are listed in the online catalog. The Library is open Monday through Saturday for on-ground and online operations during the fall and spring semesters. Summer semesters offer reduced hours. For hours of operation and special schedules, please call the Library at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2430, or visit the website at www.cerritos.edu/library.

Library materials are integral to Cerritos College instructional programs, and all are selected cooperatively by classroom and library faculty. The Reserve Book Area, at the Circulation Desk, permits students to check out high-demand materials for limited periods of time. A wide range of research guides and materials related to the Cerritos College curriculum are available in print at the Reference Desk and online via the Web. Computers are available for student use near the Reference Desk for research and in an open lab setting where printers and group study rooms are also available.

Success Center

The Success Center provides online and in-person academic assistance in math, writing, and ESL 24/7. Appointments are also available for virtually any subject. Qualified tutors and instructors provide tutoring and workshops. Academic mentors are available for ongoing individualized support throughout the semester. Faculty and staff in the Success Center involve instructors to develop supplemental instruction in a variety of forms to enhance course offerings. To drop-in for online tutoring, make an appointment, or learn about the Success Center hours and additional information, please visit the Center’s website at http://www.cerritos.edu/sc.