Cerro Coso Community College Named 2025 Pathway Champion of Equity

Cerro Coso Community College has been recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity as a 2025 Pathway Champion of Equity for its exceptional progress in preparing Hispanic students to succeed in writing at the baccalaureate level. This statewide honor celebrates institutions leading the way in equitable placement and student achievement.

The award recognizes colleges with the highest percentage of Hispanic students completing transfer-level English (commonly known as “freshman composition”) within one year of enrollment — a key milestone in student persistence and transfer readiness.

In 2015–2016, only 16% of Cerro Coso’s Hispanic students completed transfer-level English in their first year. At that time, students were often required to take multiple remedial courses before being eligible for college-level English, delaying progress by up to a year and a half.

“Those numbers were disappointingly low,” said Dr. Corey Marvin, Vice President of Instruction, Cerro Coso Community College. “We knew we needed to remove unnecessary barriers and ensure every student has a fair opportunity to succeed from the start. English professors and tutors embedded directly in the classes equip students with the skills they need to succeed without requiring multiple classes over multiple semesters.”

Through the implementation of California’s AB 705 and AB 1705 legislation, which limit the use of remedial education, Cerro Coso transformed its English program to focus on direct access and strong academic support. English professors teach and mentor students directly in transfer-level courses, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in real-time.

The results have been remarkable: by the 2023–2024 academic year, 81% of Hispanic students at Cerro Coso successfully completed transfer-level English within one year — a 65-percentage-point increase since 2015–16.

“We are very pleased to receive this award” said Dr. Sean Hancock, President of Cerro Coso. “This recognition is a reflection of our mission and unwavering commitment to equity, access, and student success.”