Victor Valley College Adds New Programs, Career Opportunities
Sponsored by: Victor Valley College
After the pandemic, when enrollment at other community colleges in California dropped, sometimes drastically, Victor Valley College in Victorville actually saw a 20% increase in one year.
The secret, administrators point out, is growth – of programs, of infrastructure, of career opportunities.
“Victor Valley College has focused on providing the community access to programs they want, how they want and when they want them,” says McKenzie Tarango, associate vice president of instruction. “In essence, the growth is a result of VVC prioritizing the diverse needs of our students.”
Several newly launched programs are preparing students for entry into the workforce. One example is the Commercial Driver’s License program.
“Students can get behind the wheel, train on the range and on the open road, securing all of the training hours required to take their DMV test and become licensed commercial drivers in one of the most in-demand careers in California,” Tarango says.
Other short-term certificate programs, which are free to students through financial assistance, include cosmetology, court reporter, pharmacy tech, mobile notary public and low-voltage electrical technician.
ESL classes are surging as well, as are eight-week courses in person and online for those who need a different pace or modality.
What’s more, Victor Valley is the only community college in Southern California to receive a superior rating in Campuswide Transfer-Level Math Enrollment, signifying that VVC has effectively supported 100% of its students in enrolling directly into transfer-level math coursework. And counselors embedded in local high schools are helping students navigate the college enrollment process.
The physical impact of this growth is easy to see in campus updates, from the 12 renovated classrooms, revamped dining area and e-sports competition room to the brand-new stadium and community conference center that seats 1,000.
Partnerships are also blossoming with industry professionals who rely on VVC to train skilled workers for highly competitive industries like health care and distribution.
Victor Valley’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed outside the High Desert area. In 2023, the college won six Campaign for College Opportunity Excellence in Placement awards for equitable course placement practices.
It also earned the prestigious 2023 John W. Rice Award from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors for its student-centered strategies, including strong tutoring programs, vital math and writing centers, and its innovative Connect2Success, a specialized call center offering immediate academic and personal support to students in need.
“Our students are rising to a level of business success to go on to a Cal State, a University of California or a private college,” says Robert Sewell, VVC director of marketing. “Our enrollment numbers are up. Our success is up. Our graduation rate is up,” he continues. “More people are getting certificates to improve themselves and get a job. The vendors are saying, ‘We’ve got a need for more people,’ and we’re responding to that. This is the place to be.”
