West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) is a unique educational institution that comprises two colleges, West Hills College Coalinga and West Hills College Lemoore, located on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties. The district is well known for its relentless pursuit of student success. As such, both colleges in the district are part of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national network dedicated to improving outcomes for community college students.
ATD has a particular focus on closing equity gaps in student success, and this aligns with WHCCD's values. The district and its colleges ensure that every student can access the resources and support needed to achieve their goals.
Equity is a fundamental aspect of WHCCD's mission, as it seeks to provide access to education and support services for the students it serves, who often face unique challenges. High unemployment rates, low-income levels, and high poverty are just a few of the obstacles students may encounter. The region's low educational attainment rates contribute to the economic difficulties within the communities WHCCD serves.
This district's commitment to equity and student success is closely tied to its involvement with Achieving the Dream (ADT). ADT has provided the district with a framework for implementing evidence-based strategies to improve student outcomes and promote equity.
West Hills College Lemoore has been particularly successful in its efforts with ATD, recently recertificating Leader College status for the third time. Leader Colleges are recognized for their commitment to improving student outcomes and demonstrating measurable progress in closing equity gaps. President of West Hills College Lemoore, James Preston, expressed his pride in this accomplishment saying, "Our team has worked tirelessly to create a culture of student success on our campus, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication and hard work."
WHCCD Chancellor Dr. Kristin Clark echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the district's commitment to equity and student success. "We believe that every student who walks through our doors deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams," she said. "Through our partnership with Achieving the Dream, we can leverage the expertise and resources of a national network to serve our students better and ensure their success."
One of the ways WHCCD has worked towards achieving these goals is by implementing guided pathways, a student-centered approach to college programs and services that helps students navigate their educational journey. Guided pathways provide students with clear, structured pathways to complete their degree or certificate and offer the support and resources they need to succeed.
The district has also prioritized providing students with wraparound support services to ensure success. These services include academic and career counseling, tutoring, financial aid assistance, and access to essential resources like food, clothing, and hygiene products. By providing these resources, WHCCD can help remove barriers to its students' success and create a supportive environment that encourages student achievement.
Hundreds of students in communities WHCCD serves, traditionally underserved and economically disadvantaged, are getting a head start in post-secondary education through dual enrollment college programs with local high schools annually. Through the Rising Scholars program, West Hills College Coalinga serves incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals by offering programs and courses at Pleasant Valley State Prison. West Hills College Lemoore is looking to launch a Rising Scholars program to serve Kings County in the near future.
Dr. Carla Tweed, the president of West Hills College Coalinga, has spoken about the importance of ATD in promoting student success, saying, "Achieving the Dream has been a valuable partner in our efforts to improve student outcomes. By participating in this national network, we have learned from other colleges about best practices in student success and are implementing those practices at our institution."
West Hills College Coalinga and West Hills College Lemoore have innovative approaches to student support. At West Hills College Coalinga, the student services building on campus was recently updated with an open flow. Students at WHCC have a convenient location where they can get help quickly. West Hills College Lemoore has implemented a one-stop student services desk called the Eagle Help Desk in their student union, where students can access support quickly in a location they often frequent between classes.
Both solutions have proven successful approaches at the colleges, serving as support hubs for students and helping them navigate their educational journey easier.
Ultimately, WHCCD's involvement in Achieving the Dream and its commitment to equity and student success set it apart as a leader in the community college space. "We are proud to be part of Achieving the Dream and to be recognized as a district that is committed to student success and equity," said Dr. Tweed.
WHCCD's dedication to equity and student success has also helped to impact the local community positively. The district has a strong partnership with local businesses and industry leaders, allowing them to offer programs tailored to meet the needs of the local workforce. This, in turn, creates a pipeline of skilled workers that can help to strengthen the local economy.
At West Hills College Coalinga, students can pursue certificates in truck driving, welding, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and degrees in agriculture plant science, agriculture science technology, and food science and safety. These programs are designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in agriculture manufacturing, providing a clear pathway to living-wage jobs.
Similarly, West Hills College Lemoore offers a range of programs tailored to the needs of the local workforce. Students can study to become a nurse or paramedic and earn degrees in industrial automation, computer science, culinary arts, and agriculture business. These programs provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in high-demand fields and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
"We believe that education is not only a pathway to personal and academic growth but also a means of creating economic opportunity for our students and community," said Clark. "By offering programs that meet the needs of the local workforce, we are helping to bridge the skills gap and prepare students for future jobs."
Through its focus on workforce development and innovation, WHCCD is helping to create a more prosperous and equitable future for its students and the communities it serves. The district empowers students to achieve their goals and build meaningful careers in fields vital to the region's economic success by providing access to high-quality education and training.
As WHCCD continues to grow and expand its programs and services, its commitment to equity and student success remains at the forefront. The district and its colleges constantly strive to find innovative ways to support their students and ensure their success.
West Hill Community College District and its two colleges, West Hills College Coalinga and West Hills College Lemoore, have demonstrated a strong commitment to equity and student success. Their dedication to creating a student success culture has helped impact the local community positively. It has set them apart as a leader in education.
