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.

Ivette Diaz-Quintero is the first in her family to earn a college degree and now works with LA County helping others. In the beginning, the ECC and CSU Dominguez Hills grad wasn’t sure how to even begin her educational journey, but found guidance from the Puente program, along with counseling, mentoring, tutoring, financial aid, and other support at El Camino to help her discover her path and who she wanted to be.

Llendy Bermudez enrolled in El Camino after a 21-year break and remains committed to his education. After earning his high school diploma, he wasted no time to start his college career. He was nervous, but said he felt welcome right away. No matter what age or stage you are in your education, he says that this is a great time to become an ECC student: "The community here at El Camino has changed my life."

Associate Dean of Industry and Technology Katie Sundara invites all prospective students to see the many career paths available at El Camino – and the best way to do that is to take a tour. From earning degrees and certificates to taking classes that build on existing skills, students have a variety of options that lead to high-paying careers, with help from faculty members who guide students to achieve their goals.

Student Sidney Lee is an El Camino Ambassador who wants students to be aware of all college resources so they can complete their educational goals. She appreciates the personalized assistance at the college. With “in-person services you get that one-on-one connection and you’re just in close proximity to your peers,” she says. “These are people you are going to be seeing again. The community is very tight.”

As a first-gen college student himself, El Camino English professor Darrell Thompson knows the challenges those in this group can face. Many have questions about college life, others need help but don’t know who to ask. Thompson makes sure students take full advantage of the college experience, offers support, and helps them connect with a counselor to choose a major and get on a path to success.

Campus leaders Jose Merino and Oscar Hernandez were inspired to enroll in El Camino by family members who had previously attended and found success. As ASO president, Jose found that being a part of campus activities allows him to help the college improve the student experience. Oscar’s role as the Inter-Club Council (ICC) president puts him in a position to make an impact at El Camino and ensure everyone can find a way to get involved in student life. Both discovered a welcoming student-centered academic community at ECC that offers a variety of opportunities for leadership and networking.

As an academic counselor, Dr. Seranda Sylvers helps students identify what they would like to achieve and then make a personalized plan to make it happen. By exploring different classes, majors, careers and goals, Dr. Sylvers shows students how education can shape their future and change their life. Her best advice? “Just start,” she says, even if it is just one class. “In order to reach that end goal, you have to start.”