By Olivia Fitts and Jakob Arnarsson
Under President Dyrell Foster, Las Positas College is steadfast in its commitment to student success. As proof, LPC hosted UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), on April 16.
Transferring from a community college to a four-year college can be arduous and, at times, quite confusing. Alongside UC Merced, LPC is taking initiative to make the transfer process efficient for Hawks looking to take their education to the four-year level.
“Through our partnership with Las Positas College,” Muñoz said in statement to Pleasanton Weekly, “we’re expanding access to opportunities and nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”
Key objectives defined by the MOU include: Increasing the number of students transferring from LPC to UC Merced to 100 by 2025, developing an easily operable online program mapper, and making financial aid more accessible to eligible transfer students.
“By working closely with UC Merced,” Foster said in the same Pleasanton Weekly article, “we can provide our students with expanded opportunities for higher education and empower them to pursue and achieve their educational and career goals.”
It is a continuation of Foster’s ultimate goal: create as many and as impactful opportunities for his diverse student body as possible. With the pair being Hispanic Serving institutions, expanding the school’s reach into the four-year realm seems like a clear next step. Especially considering the demographic’s need for extra support.
According to a Policy Brief by the Public Policy Institute of California, Latinos make up half of transfer intending community college students, but only 26% of UC transfer enrollees and 47% of CSU transfer enrollees. Foster and LPC welcome diversity, while constantly trying to create inclusive opportunities that benefit their entire demographic. This connection helps bridge the gap between the two and four year levels for all Hawk students. Especially though, it creates a mutually beneficial relationship for the latino population looking to earn a degree.
The union between UC Merced and Las Positas College – formed with the success of students, across demographics, in mind – opens up an easier overall road for students looking to earn a higher education.
Olivia Fitts is the News Editor and Opinions Editor for The Express. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @OLIVIAFITTS2. Jakob Arnarsson is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow him on X, formally Twitter, @JakobA2004.
