Pierce brings more diversity than UCs

Jose Albarran

Approximately 18,657 students are enrolled at Pierce College this semester.

A population that throughout the years has become increasingly diverse despite the contrary difficulty that the University of California campuses experience each year in attracting students, particularly those with distinct ethnic backgrounds.

According to Carol Kozeracki, associate dean of research and planning, Pierce demographics show that for this semester 27 percent of the students are Latino, 17 percent Asian/Pacific Islander, seven percent African-American and five percent other non-white, while the percentage of white students has declined from 42 percent to 37 percent.

“It is interesting to see how the campus was predominantly white before, but now, however, more students of different backgrounds have seen the importance of higher education in which in obtaining a degree offers a better way of living,” mentioned Marco De La Garza, dean of student services.

De La Garza is also in charge of an outreach program that in the last two years has visited several middle schools in the area to talk to students middle schools in the area to talk to students as well as inform parents about the many resources available for those who choose to go to college after high school.”

“Considering the high drop-out rate in high schools today, we feel the urge and responsibility to talk to students at a much earlier age, whether it’s at parks or schools,” he said.

That way we motivate them to make educational goals for their future. We print out brochures in several different languages with the purpose of informing about financial aid, grants, scholarships and loans available.”

“Money seems to be the main factor why many don’t see going to college as an option but by letting them know of the assistance available can change all that,” said De La Garza.

Doreen Clay, public information officer, also mentioned how the Pierce advertising campaign always strives to represent every ethnicity as well as age group in the many brochures printed out that deal with campus life at Pierce.

“We want everyone to know that Pierce is a community college for everyone, though ultimately the decision is yours whether you want to pursue a higher education or not,” said Clay.

Karmela Germar, a Pierce student since 2003, said “I think that when you look at minorities you have to take into account that many are illegal.

“Even if going to college is something they would want, the idea of exposing yourself frightens many, thinking that it increases their chance of getting caught which is why many don’t go to college.

She continued, “There are others who simply think that they don’t necessarily need a degree to make a living. However, personally in my family not having an education is a disgrace. I remember my parents always saying it didn’t matter how long it would take.”

Thom A. Noblitt-Gonzalez started at Pierce this fall.

“I go to school because I want to better myself. Prepare myself through education to basically advance personally and in a career.” said Noblitt-Gonzalez.

Though there might be reasons why some choose not to go to college after high school there are even more reasons why everyone should. Especially with the significant decrease in tuition fees from $26 to $20 per unit, that will begin next year.

 

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