From the Desk of Jose Fierro, President/Superintendent
The 2026–2027 academic year is officially underway, and it has been wonderful welcoming our students back to campus. We kicked off the fall semester with a campus BBQ, where our vice presidents and I had the opportunity to grill carne asada tacos for more than 500 students. Despite the summer heat, it was a great chance to connect with students, hear about their first week of classes, and celebrate the beginning of another academic year, a fitting conclusion to an eventful and productive summer and an exciting start to what promises to be a remarkable year at Cerritos College.
We are proud to announce that Cerritos College’s Early College Program has been selected as a 2026 Examples of Excelencia finalist, a prestigious national recognition honoring programs with demonstrated success in advancing Latino student achievement in higher education. Through the Early College Program, high school students have the opportunity to complete up to two years of transferable college coursework, with some students earning an associate degree or certificate by the time they graduate from high school.
Since the program launched in 2021, enrollment has grown dramatically from just 72 students to nearly 1,400, with Latino students representing approximately 72 percent of participants.
The program’s first cohort graduated last year, collectively earning 86 degrees and certificates. Even more impressive, those students achieved a 100 percent acceptance rate to four-year institutions, including Ivy League universities. We are incredibly proud of what these students have accomplished and look forward to continuing to expand this life-changing pathway so even more students can benefit.
Exciting changes are also taking shape across campus. Construction on our new Student Services and Administration Building is nearing completion and remains on schedule to open in early 2027. For the first time in Cerritos College history, most student services will be housed together in one central location, making it easier for students to access the resources and support they need throughout their educational journey.
Construction is also underway on the expansion of our award-winning Child Development Center. The project will help reduce existing waitlists while increasing access to dependable, high-quality childcare for student parents and families throughout our community.
The Cerritos College chapter of Psi Beta has received a national Chapter Excellence Award. Psi Beta is the national honor society for psychology students at community colleges. The Chapter Excellence Award recognizes chapters that fulfill Psi Beta’s mission: developing psychology students at community colleges by promoting and recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service.
The Cerritos College Psi Beta, also known as the Psychology Club, inducted 17 new members into the honor society, bringing the total to 22. The club hosted guest speakers on social work and mental health, held research workshops, and presented at conferences. The club also ran fundraisers for student research, created cards for healthcare residents, and organized alumni panels.
For Psi Beta member Paolo Patag, the Chapter’s activities highlight the impressive abilities of community college students, who often match or exceed those at four-year institutions. “Our chapter has built a supportive community with active social engagement on and off campus. My involvement in this club has greatly contributed to my personal growth and has allowed me to share unique opportunities with my peers,” said Paolo. Cerritos College Psychology Professor and Psi Beta Co-Advisor Dr. Kimberley Duff congratulated the students on their impactful leadership, community service, and innovative research that earned them this prestigious national recognition. I am beyond proud of all the work that our psychology student leadership team does to provide a welcoming and active club for all students. They truly are the next generation of psychological scientists.”
