BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, in partnership with the Foundation for California Community Colleges, announced a $100 million dollar pledge to be distributed over the next 20 years to 34 California Community Colleges, Bakersfield College was named a recipient of the Finish Line Scholars program.
The Finish Line Scholars program will provide scholarships to students who are halfway through their education plan and on their way toward the finish-line goal of completing a degree or transferring to a 4-year university.
“I am grateful that students in all of the three colleges within the Kern Community College District will benefit from this grant,” said KCCD Chancellor, Tom Burke. “I am proud of our faculty and staff who are clearing the path to a degree and certificate completion, workflow efficiency, and greater student success.”
As one of the 34 community colleges selected, BC is among colleges in three regions of California with the lowest percentage of adults who have college degrees: the Inland Empire, the Central Valley, and the Far North. The Finish Line Grant Program is designed to support achievement of the statewide strategic plan, the Vision for Success, which includes a goal to reduce regional achievement gaps for students.
“We are tremendously thankful that Chancellor Oakley and the Board of Governors were able to secure this substantial gift to the Foundation for California Community Colleges from the Jay Pritzker Foundation. Community colleges are the answer to California’s economic recovery,” said President of Bakersfield College, Dr. Sonya Christian. “Across KCCD, we are all 100% committed to our students and community. This commitment is demonstrated in our measurable performance results, student success focused initiatives, community-driven partnerships, and an unwavering dedication to care for and support Renegades to graduation and transfer.”
BC’s various services and programs including the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, are virtually open to students through the Student Information Desk, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
