Jason Barquero, El Camino’s dean of workforce readiness & student life, is focused on putting students to work. A big part of this is providing access and opening doors to employment options in all kinds of businesses and industries so students can pursue the career of their dreams. He also shares information about Intern South Bay, ECC’s first signature internship program that launched in summer 2025.

El Camino alumna, professor of communication studies and assistant director of forensics Brittany Hubble shares her experiences at the college, with a focus on her involvement with the powerhouse speech and debate team. With her unique perspective as both a student and an instructor, she advises students to experience as much as possible outside of class and get to know others in the college community.

MANA coordinator Mele Makalo and alumna Fine Tuitupou share how the program guides Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian, and Native American students through the college experience, from enrollment through graduation. Community is key, they said – MANA offers a place to call home. Mele added that one-on-one services such as academic and social interactions, career development, graduation/transfer assistance, and mentorship make all the difference. Fine, also a recent UC Berkeley grad, said MANA helped shape her future; she appreciated being a part of a community where she felt seen and heard.

As ECC’s LGBTQIA+ Student Success Coordinator, Kenny Simkins wants to make sure all students, faculty and staff feel welcome on campus. He invites everyone to visit the new Pride Center and plans workshops and activities inspired by student feedback so that programming meets their needs. An advocate for higher education, he also encourages prospective students to enroll at El Camino: “Come as you are … there’s a place for you on this campus.”

Emily Torres is a junior at Gardena High who also takes classes at El Camino through the college’s dual enrollment program. The first-gen biology major plans to earn an associate degree at the same time she graduates from high school – with no enrollment fees. Her schedule is challenging, but she says her classes are interesting and supportive professors and staff members help her navigate the college experience.

In her role as coordinator of the Immigrant Student Success program, Josefina Cruz Molina works to provide services and events that help immigrant and undocumented students navigate El Camino and life beyond the classroom. She makes sure students are successful in college and helps them access important resources including financial aid, scholarships, transfer assistance, basic needs support and more.

El Camino grads Cameron Delahoussaye and Yemsrach Burka found community and support through Umoja-Project Success. Now a counselor with the program, Cameron guides students on their higher education journey. Yemi transferred to San Jose State University and credits Umoja-Project Success for helping her define her career goals. Both connected with students and mentors through the family-oriented program that offers university tours, tutoring, academic counseling, scholarships, and more.

Darlin Cano struggled when she first started classes at El Camino. After moving to the area from Guatemala while still in high school, she knew she wanted a college education but didn’t know how to navigate the system. By her second semester, the first-gen student connected with professors who helped her take advantage of all ECC has to offer; now she is in the honors program and aiming to transfer to UCLA.

ECC Foundation Executive Director Andrea Sala explains the scholarship application process and advises all students to apply. This fall, more than 600 students were awarded nearly $900,000 in scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. Sala also shares tips for completing the online application and notes that assistance is available. From athletes to STEM majors, there is a scholarship for everyone.

When recent grad Roshumba Mason returned to El Camino after an extended break from college, she was determined to give it another try, this time with the help of our specialized programs, services, and the many mentors and friends she met along the way. Even though she faced challenges with attending college during the pandemic, she met her goals and is transferring to a university with the goal to be a school counselor.