BC Honored with Champion of Higher Education Recognitions
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Bakersfield College is proud to share that it has been selected as a 2023 Champion of Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity, receiving two prestigious recognitions: the 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer and the 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education for Latinx Students. These accolades are a testament to BC’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education and breaking down barriers in higher education.
The Campaign for College Opportunity is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring all Californians have an equitable opportunity to attend and succeed in college.
The 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer award acknowledges Bakersfield College's outstanding efforts in implementing landmark transfer reform. With a robust transfer program and a commitment to student support, BC has enabled students to seamlessly transfer to four-year institutions, creating pathways to further educational opportunities and future success.
Furthermore, the 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education for Latinx Students award underscores our dedication to closing racial and ethnic equity gaps. Bakersfield College is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers Latinx students to thrive academically and personally. We have implemented a range of initiatives and support services that have contributed to narrowing these disparities, ultimately promoting a more diverse and equitable higher education landscape.
Acting President of Bakersfield College, Steven Watkin expressed his gratitude by stating, "These accolades reflect the commitment of BC’s staff and faculty and their goal of providing the highest quality education to all students, regardless of their background. We are honored to be recognized as a Champion of Higher Education and remain dedicated to creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable academic environment."
The 2023 Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer and the 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education for Latinx Students awards highlight Bakersfield College's ongoing mission to create opportunities, promote diversity, and empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Campaign for College Opportunity will hold the official award ceremony on November 14, 2023 at 10:00AM online. During the event, Eighteen community college campuses will be recognized for excellence in implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), an instrumental pathway that has streamlined the transfer process for over a decade. Nine CSU campuses are to be recognized for enrolling ADT-earning students AND enrolling them on a guaranteed pathway to a four-year degree. Additionally, several college and university honorees are excelling in closing equity gaps for Latinx and/or Black transfer students via the ADT and will be recognized as Equity Champions.
Bakersfield College provides opportunities for students from diverse economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds to attain Associate and Baccalaureate degrees and certificates, workplace skills, and preparation for transfer. Our rigorous and supportive learning environment fosters students’ abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate competencies and skills in order to engage productively in their communities and the world.
