MAOF students to qualify for college credits at BC

A new initiative by the Kern Community College District will allow students enrolled in a skills center run by Bakersfield's Mexican American Opportunity Foundation to earn credits transferrable to Bakersfield College.

Under the new program, 16.5 units of college credit are available to students who complete the MAOF center's bookkeeping/payroll accounting certificate. Completing the program can also earn them non-credit certificates of completion in QuickBooks, basic office software skills and beginning computer skills, according to KCCD.

Likewise, the district says 18 units may be awarded by BC to students who finish the center's clerical office worker certificate. By doing so, they can also receive non-credit certificates in basic office software skills and beginning computer skills.

Credit for prior learning, as such programs are called, "is an important tool for retaining and matriculating students through their program of study and helping them earn a degree that can change their lives and the lives of their families," KCCD Chancellor Steven Bloomberg said in a news release. He added that the district will continue to explore partnerships with organizations like MAOF.

The district noted BC already has a credit for prior learning program inviting students to submit military transcripts, industry certifications and apprenticeship documentation in exchange for college credit.

MAOF President and CEO Ciriaco "Cid" Pinedo said in the release that offering college credits to students incentivizes first-generation students to continue their education.

Added BC President Jerry Fliger, "We will continue to remove barriers so everyone can have access to higher education and higher training. That's the Renegade way."