Office of Equity and Inclusion

Welcome to the Office of Equity and Inclusion

Community. Belonging. Excellence.

At Cerro Coso Community College, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in an environment where they are seen, valued, and supported. The Office of Equity and Inclusion serves as a catalyst for advancing equity, fostering belonging, and promoting excellence across the college community.

Guided by Cerro Coso's Strategic Plan and the California Community Colleges Student Equity framework, our office works collaboratively to identify and eliminate barriers that disproportionately impact historically underserved student populations. Through intentional partnerships, data-informed decision-making, and culturally responsive practices, we strive to ensure that every student has equitable access to the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion provides leadership in developing programs, initiatives, and professional learning experiences that strengthen an inclusive campus culture while advancing student success. We partner with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community organizations to create learning environments where diversity is celebrated, every voice is valued, and all members of our community experience a genuine sense of belonging.

Our work extends beyond compliance—it is rooted in the belief that equity is essential to institutional excellence. By embedding equity-minded practices into college policies, programs, and decision-making, we help strengthen student engagement, improve outcomes, and contribute to a more just and inclusive college community.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion provides leadership and support for initiatives including:

• Student equity planning and institutional equity initiatives
• Equity-centered professional learning and leadership development
• Campus climate, belonging, and community engagement initiatives
• Cultural heritage celebrations and educational programming
• Student leadership and advocacy opportunities
• Strategic partnerships with campus and community organizations
• Student support programs, including Umoja, CC Pride, the Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP), Dreamers, and other initiatives designed to promote student persistence, achievement, and completion

Our Vision

To cultivate a college community where every individual experiences belonging, every student has equitable opportunities to succeed, and excellence is achieved through inclusive practices that honor the strengths and experiences of our diverse communities.

Our Mission

The Office of Equity and Inclusion advances Cerro Coso Community College's mission by fostering an inclusive campus culture that promotes access, belonging, engagement, and student success. Through collaboration, advocacy, education, and institutional leadership, we work to remove barriers to opportunity, champion equity-minded practices, and create conditions where every student and employee can thrive.

Our Values

Community

We build authentic relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility for student success.

Belonging

We cultivate environments where every individual feels welcomed, respected, affirmed, and empowered to contribute fully to our college community.

Excellence

We pursue continuous improvement through innovation, accountability, evidence-based practices, and an unwavering commitment to equitable outcomes for all students.

Together, we are building a Cerro Coso where Community. Belonging. Excellence. are not simply guiding principles—they are the foundation of an educational experience in which every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Request for Equity Funds

Programs

Our equity-based programs that are housed within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Common Grounds

Common Grounds is a space for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to come together over coffee and conversation. Through guided dialogue and reflection, we will build the skills to engage across difference, address harm, examine systems, and commit to action together.