EXPLORE: California's Community Colleges: At A CrossroadsQuick Guides
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Student voices

As the coronavirus upends schools and colleges, students must navigate a new reality that has thrown many of their plans into disarray. In this section, hear first-hand about their experiences and how they are confronting the challenges they face.

Learning Well: Beyond the Pandemic
July 6, 2021

Looking ahead to college freshman year, students welcome help

The challenges of distance learning left many incoming freshmen worried about needing extra help to succeed in college.

California Student Journalism Corps
Student voices
June 27, 2021

For students in California, arts education is a civil rights issue

While arts programs support academic and school climate goals, they are often the first to be cut from the budget.

Sonia Patel Banker
Student voices
June 7, 2021

Reform Cal Grant and invest in community college students

Help with food and housing costs would enable more students to succeed and thrive in community college.

Iulia Tarasova and Stephen Kodur
Student voices
May 13, 2021

Finding our voices, and our research skills, during the pandemic

Surveying their peers provided high school students with unique insights on the effects of the pandemic.

Gustavo Aguilar, Alex Alejo, Guadalupe Laureano Carranza, Jamie-Lynn Juco, Nareli Juquilita Lopez and Adriana Rios-Cruz
California's Community Colleges: At a Crossroads
April 12, 2021

Why students are not attending California's community colleges

The pandemic upended enrollment across California's community colleges. Students dropped out or elected not to enroll after facing problems with child care, jobs, family illness and frustration with taking courses online.

By Melanie Gerner, Abraham Navarro, Taylor Helmes, Iman Palm and Jasmine Nguyen
California Student Journalism Corps 
March 16, 2021

What I wish I told my high school self about depression

I never imagined having to deal with all of my struggles all at once.

Taylor Helmes
Career Preparation
March 5, 2021

Why I must earn a college degree as a parent of a young child

Returning to community college was no easy feat as a single mother and first-generation, low-income college student.

Melanie Gerner
Student voices
November 2, 2020

How college dreams helped me kick my habit

Once you realize that there is more to life than escaping your problems, the light at the end of the tunnel becomes a lot closer to reach.

Raven Brown
Student voices
October 5, 2020

Homeless college students in California brace for more uncertainty 

When students realize that moving back home with family or friends is not an option, campus resources become lifeboats. Learning to tap into those resources by any means available becomes a crucial life skill for such students.

Marisa Martinez, Paula Kiley and Rachel Barnes
Student voices
August 6, 2020

Why I choose to be a full-time student and essential worker

Balancing studies online and a heavier schedule at work can be overwhelming.

Iman Palm
Student voices
July 28, 2020

Richmond area students talk about what they'll remember from this year of protest and Covid-19

West Contra Costa Unified students reflect on how their lives were affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Valeria Echeverria, Ronishlla Maharaj, Karina Mascorro, and David Sanchez
Student voices
July 17, 2020

Richmond students talk about revising summer plans ruined by the pandemic

Jobs, vacations, gatherings with family and friends are all put on hold as they cope with Covid-19.

Valeria Echeverria, Ronishlla Maharaj, Karina Mascorro and David Sanchez
Student voices
June 29, 2020

Some people called my community college trash, they were wrong

LA City College helped student realize dream of getting a degree.

Kilmer Salinas
Student voices
June 15, 2020

From a graduating senior, advice to the class that follows

It is up to you whether this quarantine becomes a period of discovery or stagnation.

Brandon Tran
Student voices
June 11, 2020

Richmond High School students speak out about protests and police brutality

Richmond High School students share their thoughts about police brutality and racism.

Ronishlla Maharaj