Expanding the Gateway, Enabling Dreams
Volume VIII, Issue 5, October 24, 2022
For more than 90 years, Santa Monica College has continued to exemplify the community
college promise—of making higher education and its by-product of opportunity available
and accessible to all. SMC in Focus celebrates that legacy, through the stories of SMC to UC Berkeley transfer Brandon
Sanchez and journalism major Jessica Dupree who took a leap of faith to make her own
dreams come true. Also, a highlight of an exciting new program-in-the-works Aquaculture
and a free noncredit Certified Nursing Assistant program. Enjoy!
Gritty Start, Glossy Finish
A Salvadoran immigrant washing dishes in a West Hollywood restaurant, Brandon Sanchez never imagined he could be a professional photographer. It all started with ESL classes at SMC. Today, he’s an art student at UC Berkeley.
Aquacultural Revolution
Santa Monica College’s new Aquaculture certificate program will provide career opportunities that grow the economy while promoting underwater sustainability for a healthier planet.
A New Path for Nursing Assistants
One of SMC’s newest noncredit certificate courses (absolutely free to students), the Certified Nursing Assistant Program seeks to fill a yawning workforce gap, and give deserving students a pathway to a better life.
Bragging Rights
An SMC student film is a finalist in a Russo Brothers-organized competition. A research analyst shares her struggle with eczema w/Pfizer & CNN. The SMC Library gets a gift of art from a former student.
Higher Power
SMC student Jessica L. Dupree combined her belief in herself with her faith in God to follow her dreams of becoming a public relations powerhouse.