Learning Communities at LMC - Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College
TM
Learning Communities at LMC
Maximizing your first year in college
See page 10
Financial Aid:
Still Available During Economic Crisis
See page 2
Get a Solid Foundation for
Your Career in Engineering
New facilities and expanded
course offerings
See page 6
Appliance Service
Technology Program
More jobs than graduates
See page 8
Build Your Skills
Outside the Classroom
Leadership development
opportunities support career success
See page 11
CareerFocus
Los Medanos Community College
2700 East Leland Road
Pittsburg, CA 94565
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A WISE INVESTMENT -
YOURSELF!
LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
YOUR FUTURE AWAITS YOU
AT LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
A
TRADITION OF
EXCELLENCE
Read Doug & Sidney’s stories on page 10

Questions about the Los Medanos College programs and services described
in this publication should be directed to the Office of Admissions at
925.439.2181. Comments or questions about the publication itself can be
directed to the LMC Marketing Department at 925.439.2181, ext. 3242.
Contents
CareerFocus
Publisher:.................................. Peter Garcia
President, Los Medanos College
Features
Editor:....................................Barbara Cella
Director, Marketing and Media Design
2 Financial Aid: Still Available During
Economic Crisis
Contributing Writers:........................Rosa Armendariz
David Belman
Jeanne Bonner
Loretta Canto-Williams
Barbara Cella
Kurt Crowder
Kiran Kamath
Len Price
Jennifer Saito
Eleanor Shelton
Amber Stark
Visit us at: www.losmedanos.edu
4 Your Career: Take 2
5 Math, Engineering and Science
Achievement (MESA) Program Comes
to LMC in Fall 2009
LMC Programs
6 Get a Solid Foundation for Your Career
in Engineering
New facilities and expanded course offerings
Contra Costa Community College District
Board of Trustees:
Sheila A. Grilli, President
Dr. Anthony T. Gordon, Vice President
John T. Nejedly, Secretary
Jess H. Reyes, Member
Tomi Van de Brooke, Member
Student Trustee
Chancellor: Dr. Helen Benjamin
Career Focus is published annually by Los Medanos Community
College, 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565.
All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be
reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage retrieval system without the permission of the
publisher.
8 Appliance Service Technology Program
More jobs than graduates
10 Learning Communities at LMC
Maximize your first year in college
11 Build Your Skills Outside the Classroom
Leadership development opportunities
support career success
PROGRAMS
12 Los Medanos College A-Z
Check out our programs, degrees and certificates
© 2009 Los Medanos College
NEW!
CareerFocus Café
www.careerfocuscafe.com
An online resource
for students,
job-hunters and workers
On the cover:
Fire Academy and Nursing alumni in front of
LMC library
925.439.2181 I Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu CareerFocus I Fall 2009 I 1

Financial Aid: Still Available
During Economic Crisis
ith the rising cost
of college education
and the downturn
of the economy,
many parents and
students are facing
the dilemma of
whether or not they
can afford college.
The Los Medanos
College (LMC) Financial Aid Office
is here to reassure you that there
is funding available to you for your
education. There are several federal
and state programs you can tap into
to pay for colleges expenses.
More than half of the student
population at LMC is receiving some
form of financial assistance. Whether
it is federal or state funding, or a
Board of Governors Fee Waiver to
waive enrollment fees, many of our
students are benefiting from
financial aid programs.
Students attending LMC may
qualify for state grants, federal
grants and federal loans to pay for
their college expenses. The very first
step to obtaining access to financial
assistance is to be admitted to the
college. Once a student has admitted
status then he/she may receive
financial aid at LMC. The following
steps are necessary to obtaining
financial assistance through the Title
IV Programs:
1Obtain a PIN (PERSONAL
Identification Number)
Parents and student may obtain a
PIN number by logging onto
www.pin.edu.gov. A PIN is your
electronic signature for the
Department of Education and is
required of you and your parents.
2Complete the Free
Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA)
Parents of students applying for
financial aid are required to complete
the FAFSA application every
January 1st. Although one can apply
at any time during the year, many
schools have priority deadlines as
well as the State of California. Any
student applying for a CAL Grant
must submit their application by
March 2nd of every year. Therefore,
the sooner you apply, the better
your chances to be considered for all
funding sources.
3Make Sure
Your Social Security
Number Matches
Your Name
The Department of Education
has certain database matches.
One database match is that of the
Social Security Administration. If
a student or parent’s social security
number reported on the application
doesn’t match the social security
database exactly, it will cause a
delay in processing. Therefore it
is very important that any name
changes due to marital status or
naturalization are reported to the
Social Security Administration
immediately. Discrepancies in
social security numbers could
potentially raise questions about your
citizenship.
4Register with
Selective Services
All males 18 years of age must
register with Selective Service. This
is another database match that is
performed by the Department of
Education.
5Complete all forms required
by the Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office may
have separate forms for students
to complete. Therefore, it is
important that you keep in close
contact with our staff to ensure
that all documents are complete
and submitted to the Financial
Aid Office in a timely fashion.
Additionally, the Department of
Education selects thirty percent of an
institution’s financial aid population
for what is called verification. This
process requires students to submit
documentation regarding their
income, household size and tax filing
status.
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The Los Medanos College
(LMC) Financial Aid Office
is here to reassure you that
there is funding available to
you for your education. There
are several federal and state
programs you can tap into to
pay for colleges expenses.
“LMC’s enrollment increased
20% in Spring 2009. Combining
our expanding enrollment with
the economic downturn, our
Pell Grants have increased
from $3.3 million to more than
$5 million in the past year.”
Loretta Canto-Williams
Types Of Financial Aid
Federal Programs:
Pell Grant
Awards are the basic foundation of
the federal student aid program, of
which aid from other federal and
state aid sources might be stacked.
For the 2008-2009 academic year,
awards range from $400 - $4731 per
academic year.
ACG (Academic
Competitiveness Grant)
Awards are based on a recognized
rigorous program of study as
defined by the Department of
Education. The maximum award
for a first-year student is $750 and
second-year student is $1300. If
a second-year award is granted,
a student must have completed
secondary school after Jan. 1, 2005,
and have at least a 3.0 grade point
average.
Supplemental Education
Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Awards vary depending on the
school’s funding allocation. Each
school participating in the SEOG
program receives a certain amount
of funding each year from the
Department of Education. Once
those funds are exhausted, there
are no more until the next year. Los
Medanos College SEOG awards
range from $600 - $1000 per
academic year and are awarded to
PELL recipients with exceptional
financial need and with the lowest
Expected Family Contribution
(EFC).
Federal Work-Study
Awards up to $2500 per academic
year, this program provides on and
off campus part-time employment
while a student is enrolled in
school. The program focuses on
community service work, however a
student may also seek employment
in his/her field of study.
Federal Family Education
Loan Program
Student loans, unlike grants, are
borrowed funds and must be repaid
with interest. Student loans awards
can start at $7500 depending on
grade level and dependency status.
State Programs:
Cal Grant Program
Cal Grant B- awards help lowincome
students with a living
allowance and assistance with
tuition and fees. Student may
receive awards up to $1551
for books and living expenses
depending on enrollment status.
Cal Grant C- awards help pay
for tuition, training costs and
books and supplies. Award is $576
depending on enrollment status.
Chafee Grant
Awards up to $5000 to current
and former foster youth attending
college.
For Additional Information
For additional information
regarding eligibility requirements,
special circumstances or other
funding sources, please do not
hesitate to telephone the Los
Medanos College Financial Aid
office at (925) 439-2181 ext. 3139.
Our mission is to assistance our
student in every facet of financial
aid and fund students to the
greatest possible extent within
the framework of all state and
federal regulations and policies and
procedures. For more information
regarding our resources and
services you may also visit our
website at www.losmedanos.edu
or e-mail us at
finaidoffice@losmedanos.edu.
925.439.2181 I Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu CareerFocus I Fall 2009 I 3

Math, Engineering and
Science Achievement (MESA) Program
Coming to LMC in Fall 2009
By Jeanne Bonner
re you looking to excel
in math and science,
and graduate with a
baccalaureate degree
in science, engineering,
computer science, or
another math-based field
Join the Mathematics,
Engineering, Science
Achievement (MESA)
Community College
Program (MCCP) at Los Medanos
College.
In fall 2009, LMC will affiliate
with MESA, bringing one of the
country’s most successful programs
of its kind to students. Founded
in 1970 and administered by the
University of California, the MESA
program provides academic support
for thousands of educationally
disadvantaged students so they can
excel in math and science; transfer
to four-year institutions as majors in
math-based fields; and graduate with
baccalaureate degrees in science,
engineering, computer science and
other math-based fields.
The MESA program at LMC offers
individualized academic planning,
study skills training, peer group
learning techniques, career
exploration, parent involvement,
professional development, transfer
assistance, and special orientation
classes and services for students.
The MESA Community College
Program is supported by industry so
students can learn firsthand about
career options special scholarships
and internships.
MESA enjoys strong support from
companies because they recognize
MESA’s success in producing
technical professionals needed
by industry to stay competitive.
Corporations such as Boeing,
Chevron, General Electric, Google,
HP, IBM, Intel, AT&T, PG&E and
Texas Instruments have provided
funding, in-kind contributions,
scholarships, and internships to
assist MESA students. The MESA
start-up at LMC has been funded by
generous contributions from The East
Bay Community Foundation and The
Dow Chemical Company.
MESA has been named as one of
the most innovative public programs
in the nation by Innovations in
American Government, a project of
the Kennedy School of Government
at Harvard University, and the
Ford Foundation. MESA also is a
winner of the Presidential Award for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics
and Engineering Mentoring.
Your pathway to success begins at
Los Medanos College. Enroll, become
a member of LMC’s MESA program,
and join the ever-growing numbers of
students served by MESA programs.
Francisco Rojas, an LMC student,
noted, “I have never been in a room
with so many engineers in my life.”
This statement was made during
the 2008 MESA Student Leadership
Conference held in November 2008 at
the San Ramon Conference Center.
“If you are interested in math,
engineering or science, the
MESA program will open
doors of exploration and discovery
by offering a focused,
rich learning experience.”
Jeanne Bonner
Physics Assistant Professor
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Your
Career:
Take 2
Whether you’re
looking for a new
career or just want
to enhance your
skills, you can be
ready in less than
two years with a
certificate at Los
Medanos College.
Deciding what you
want to “be” when
you grow up is a
tough decision.
Ask most 8-yearold
boys what they
want to be when
they grow up and
they’ll probably say
baseball player.
Heck, ask most 18-year-old men what
they want to be and their answer will
still be baseball player.
Some of them will even make it to the
Big Leagues. But after awhile, when
the fun wears off or they get benched,
they may need a career change.
The same can be said for most
professions – after awhile, going to
work isn’t fun anymore. But it should
be since you’ll spend about 2,000
hours there this year alone.
Sometimes improving your skills is
all it takes to find a new position.
Other times, you may want to try
a whole new field. That’s where
programs like those offered at Los
Medanos College come into play.
Whether you’re looking for a new
career or just want to enhance your
skills, you can be ready in less than
two years with a certificate.
For example, your second career
could be as an instrumentation
technician. That’s just one of several
affordable programs you could take
today to be on your way to a new
career tomorrow.
Here’s more:
Appliance Service Technology
Art: Digital Publishing
Art: Graphic Communication
Automotive Technology
Business: Accounting
Business: Office Administration
Business: Retail Management
Business: Small Business
Operations
Child Development
Computer Science:
Microcomputer Systems
Cosmetology
Electrical Technology
Instrumentation Technology
Fire Technology
Management and Supervision
Music-Commercial: Business
Music-Commercial: Pedagogy
Music-Commercial: Performance
Nursing Vocational
Process Technology
Real Estate
Recording Arts
Travel Marketing
Welding Technology
Those are just a few of the options
available to help you with a career
double play. Keep an eye out for more
opportunities in this issue of Career
Focus.
925.439.2181 I Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu CareerFocus I Fall 2009 I 5

Get a Solid Foundation
for Your Career
in Engineering at LMC
By Kurt Crowder
ave you ever wondered how
things work Have you ever
taken things apart to see what
is going on inside Do you
enjoy tinkering and building
things Would you like to be
an inventor If you answered
yes to one or more of these
questions, then you should
explore the possibilities of an
engineering degree.
Do you realize that engineers
design, build, maintain, and improve
most of the devices, structures,
vehicles, and processes used by
society Just about every product
around us has been designed or
improved by an engineer. Engineers
are problem solvers. They are
drawn to the challenge of solving
problems that may not have been
solved before. Different engineers
work on different projects, depending
on which engineering discipline
they go into. There are dozens of
engineering disciplines, including
mechanical, civil, electrical,
industrial/manufacturing,
aerospace, biomedical, materials,
chemical, agricultural, computer,
nuclear, and petroleum engineering.
Engineers from different disciplines
frequently work together on the
same project.
There are fascinating new
technologies being developed
that will probably lead to
more engineering disciplines.
Nanotechnology and MEMS (Micro
Electro Mechanical Systems)
are leading to tiny machines;
biotechnology and biomedical
engineering are still in their infancy.
Materials engineering is leading
to the possibility of aircraft that
can repair themselves in flight.
Engineers are transforming today’s
science fiction into the established
technology of the future.
Why become an engineer
It is exciting to be able to predict
the future. It is even more exciting
to create it yourself. Engineers
literally have the opportunity to
change the world around them.
What kinds of people
become engineers
Some people are drawn to
engineering because it is a field
where you are free to demonstrate
great creativity. Some people
are attracted to the scientific and
mathematical methods used by
engineers. Others become engineers
because it is a way to help others and
improve their lives.
Do you realize that engineers design, build,
maintain, and improve most of the devices,
structures, vehicles, and processes used by
society Just about every product around us
has been designed or improved by an engineer.
What kinds of salaries do
engineers earn
Engineering degrees generally
command the highest salaries
offered to new graduates with fouryear
degrees. Starting salaries
vary by discipline, industry and
geographic area, but nationally,
graduates with a bachelor’s degree
in engineering are typically offered
$50,000 to $60,000 per year. The
median salary of an engineer
(where half make more and half
make less) varies from $66,000 for
an agricultural engineer to over
$98,000 for a petroleum engineer.
What can you expect from a
career in engineering
Engineering is a profession, with
licensing requirements and a code
of ethics. As a professional, an
engineer enjoys more responsibility
and autonomy than is found in
most other career paths. An
engineer can also go into consulting
or management. Engineers can
expect to work on a variety of
projects during a career. New
discoveries lead to more possibilities
for developing new technologies.
Engineers continue to learn
throughout their careers.
How do I become an engineer
Engineers generally need to obtain a
bachelor’s degree from an accredited
four-year university.
How can Los Medanos College
(LMC) help me become
an engineer
LMC can prepare you for transfer
to a four-year university. LMC
engineering graduates have already
been accepted to UC Berkeley, UC
Davis, Cal State East Bay, San
Jose State University, Cal Poly
SLO, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University and other universities.
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LMC also has brand new facilities
and state-of-the-art equipment, as
well as a newly expanded program.
LMC’s course offerings now include
all of the main engineering courses
expected of lower division students
before transfer. LMC offers an
easy commute for East County
residents. Furthermore, as a
community college, LMC is much
more affordable than typical fouryear
schools.
The college has Transfer Admission
Agreements that guarantee
admission with several top fouryear
universities. There are
also internship programs where
students can work in the community.
Students can earn money and credit
while gaining valuable experience.
Myths about Engineering
Engineering is not for women.
Anyone with the interest and
determination can become and
engineer. About 18% of all bachelor’s
degrees in engineering are earned
by females. In fact, a majority of
biomedical engineers are women.
There is no chance for social
interactions in the engineering
field. Engineers usually work other
people. They work on teams with
other engineers, and meet with
managers, engineering technicians,
machinists and customers.
Engineers also have many
opportunities to attend conferences.
In fact, engineering majors are
expected to take English courses
because of the importance for them
to communicate with other people.
Contact Information:
Kurt Crowder
Community college students are
at a disadvantage compared to
students who started at a fouryear
university. The primary
focus of community colleges is to
offer an excellent education. Studies
by the UC Berkeley and the UC
Davis engineering departments have
found no statistically significant
difference between GPAs or
graduation rates when community
college transfers are compared
with students who started at the
university immediately after high
school.
Only math or science geniuses
can become engineers. If you
have a desire to understand how
things work, determination, and the
willingness to work hard, then you
already possess the most important
prerequisites for becoming an
engineer. You do need the ability
to solve math and science problems,
but math and science are tools used
by the engineer – they are not the
end of engineering in itself. It is
not easy to become an engineer,
but, for the right people, it can
lead to a financially rewarding
and emotionally satisfying career,
with opportunities to show off one’s
creativity and have a lasting and
beneficial effect on the world.
Tim Reed
Electrical Engineer, Raytheon
Space and Airborne Systems
Growing up in Livermore, Tim Reed has
always enjoyed discovering how things work.
While at Livermore High School, he developed
an interest in electronics. After a stint in the
Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, he knew
he needed to prepare for a career change and
his interest in electronics lead him to pursue
electrical engineering. He attended Santa
Barbara City College, but eventually moved to
the Pittsburg area to be closer to family.
Tim started taking transfer classes at LMC
and hoped to transfer to California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).
He aimed to go there because it was considered
one of the better engineering schools.
Convinced that LMC helped him succeed,
Tim valued the college’s small class size and
instructors who were very approachable and
nice. Tim elaborated, “We developed study
groups so I got to know the other students. I
realized the importance of studying in a group
and working in teams on projects – leading
through to my current job.”
Tim did transfer to Cal Poly and graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in electrical
engineering. Now he is involved with power
electronics (power conversion) and analog
circuit design for Raytheon Space and Airborne
Systems in their Electronic Warfare division.
Tim explained, “They create decoys and
radar jamming systems. It’s a lot of fun. I
get to do a lot of different things. I’m always
learning something new while I do design
work. Designing something, having it built and
seeing it actually work is really satisfying. I
love being able to take ideas and put them into
action!”
925.439.2181 I Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu CareerFocus I Fall 2009 I 7

Your key to a successful career
begins right here!
Unlock the door with LMC’s Appliance Service Technology Program
By Kiran Kamath and Len Price
very home today has one or
more large appliances such as
a refrigerator, freezer, cooking
range, oven, dishwasher,
microwave oven, washer and
dryer. Many work places have
such large appliances too. These
appliances are purchased from
retail stores such as Best Buy,
Fry’s and Sears which in turn
buy them from manufacturers
such as BOSCH, Electrolux, General
Electric, Haier, LG, Miele, Sub-Zero,
Viking and Whirlpool.
Have you ever wondered who
installs, services and repairs
these appliances And who trains
these professionals for these wellpaying
jobs Los Medanos College,
right here in Pittsburg, is the only
community college accredited and
authorized to provide this technical
training in California!
Trained appliance technicians are
in great demand by manufacturers,
retailers and service companies
around the country. With baby
boomers retiring, this industry too
is grappling with a skilled worker
shortage.
A career as an Appliance Service
Technician is an excellent choice
for both women and men of all ages.
These high-demand jobs are wellpaying,
skilled technical jobs with
excellent benefits. Starting salaries,
including commission, begin around
$36,000 a year. Median salaries are
around $50,000 a year. In addition,
most companies pay medical and
retirement benefits, paid vacations,
and provide a company vehicle. For
those who are entrepreneurial,
this industry has excellent selfemployment
opportunities. About
20% of the appliance technicians are
self-employed.
The LMC Appliance Service
Technology program is one of a
handful of factory training sites in
the nation for manufacturers such
as Whirlpool and BOSCH. Trainers
from industry teach alongside our
faculty during these training weeks
at the college. All manufacturers
who partner with the LMC program
donate the latest equipment
throughout the year enabling our
students to learn cutting edge
technical and electronic skills.
The close partnership between
industry and our Appliance program
results in outstanding training,
a well-designed curriculum, the
latest technology, and excellent
job placements for our graduates.
Our graduates are snapped up by
industry as soon as they complete
the program, and industry
employees often return to our
classroom to upgrade their skills.
Choose what you’d like to do:
Get certified as an Appliance
Technician I, and be job ready
in just 11 months by taking the
accelerated format of classes
during the day and the evening.
Work during the day and
take just evening classes,
and complete the Appliance
Technician I certificate in two
years (four semesters).
With additional handson
lab experience, complete
the Appliance Technician II
certificate in two years by
taking classes mainly during
the day.
Graduate with a Certificate of
Achievement as an Appliance
Technician I or II.
Complete general education
courses and graduate with an
Associate of Science degree in
Appliance Service Technology.
Students graduate with a thorough
knowledge about EPA regulations
and major appliances. Entry level
graduates may begin their career as
appliance installers or technician
trainees, and advance to become
field technicians. With experience,
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The LMC Appliance
Service Technology
program is one
of a handful of
factory training
sites in the nation
for manufacturers
such as Whirlpool
and BOSCH.
graduates have gone on to become
technician trainers, customer
service managers and product
specialists with large organizations
like Maytag, Sears and Whirlpool.
Few colleges provide HVAC training.
Our program offers air conditioning
and refrigeration training for
residential and commercial service
and repair. Students are trained
in energy efficiency and in green
technologies. The air conditioning
and refrigeration classes are offered
during the evening.
Benefits of joining the
Appliance Service Technology
program at LMC:
The accelerated program can be
completed in 11 months.
The regular program can be
completed in two years (four
semesters).
There are no prerequisites to
complete in order to join the
program.
Students work on some of the
latest equipment directly from
manufacturers.
The curriculum is up-to-date
with changing and current
industry needs.
Take advantage of visits and
training provided by factory
trainers on campus.
Participate in factory training
at the college and receive factory
certifications.
Learn in small groups under the
close supervision of outstanding
instructors and mentors.
Learn in the “family”
atmosphere, yet with the
professional expectations of the
program.
Participate in internships with
companies like Sears and BSH
Home Appliance Company
(BOSCH).
Benefits of graduating from the
Appliance Service Technology
program at LMC:
Graduates of the program are
in high demand for skilled, wellpaying
jobs.
The graduates are recruited
by major employers in the
Bay Area and throughout the
country.
The program has excellent
industry connections and
provides job placement
assistance.
Appliance technicians will
always be needed to install,
service and repair equipment.
Graduates can either be selfemployed
or work for large
organizations.
Live and work anywhere in
the country; everyone uses
appliances.
It is an excellent career for both
women and men.
There are advantages for
English only, bi-lingual and
multi-lingual graduates since
customers speak different
languages.
Enjoy an excellent salary with
benefits and a company vehicle.
These service jobs cannot be
off-shored!
Contact Information:
Len Price, Instructor
925.439.2181 x 3341
lprice@losmedanos.edu
Visit the program website at
www.losmedanos.edu/appliance
For general information on LMC’s
Career Technical Education,
Catherine Fonseca
925.439.2181 x 3276
cfonseca@losmedanos.edu.
“If you enjoy working independently on
machines; are good with electronics,
technology and computers; get satisfaction
from helping people; you will enjoy the
Appliance Service Technology program at Los
Medanos College. We can help you unlock
the door to your future career!”
Len Price
“I have a Bachelor’s Degree from
San Francisco State University, but it took
a degree in Appliance Service Technology
from LMC to land a job at BOSCH Appliance
Factory Service!”
Warren Lukeroth
925.439.2181 I Los Medanos College I www.losmedanos.edu CareerFocus I Fall 2009 I 9

Learning Communities at LMC
Los Medanos College is
committed to helping
new students get off to
a good start. Learning
communities at LMC
are designed to help
incoming students
maximize the first year
of college by getting
comfortable on campus,
forming relationships on campus, and
connecting with the intellectual, social
and cultural community at LMC.
Adjusting to college life can be a
difficult transition for students and
parents. LMC offers a variety of
learning communities and programs
to support students in this transition
and to make sure that students are
taking advantage of the many resources
that LMC has to offer. While learning
communities are open to all students,
they are especially geared towards firstyear
students, or freshman, who are
interested in transferring or are simply
looking for a supportive environment
in college. In a learning community,
courses are “linked” or arranged
together with a common theme,
common materials and common content.
The same group of students enrolls in
two or more classes and shares learning
and social experiences. Dedicated
instructors work closely with students
to support their academic success. The
purpose of each learning community is
to support students to reach their goals
and to form a community of friends at
the college.
Why join a learning community
Academic Success
Personal Development
Campus and Community
Involvement
Joining a learning community allows
students to become part of a group of
friends, teachers and counselors who
will help them succeed. A learning
community can support students as
they explore potential career options
and make their goals a reality. Each of
these communities provides a pathway
to transfer or to other degree programs.
Classes are challenging, stimulating
and supportive learning environments.
Each learning community also partners
with the Honors Program on campus to
encourage students’ academic pursuits.
Additionally, each course links
classroom information with experiential
learning and actively involves students
in a variety of special events and
activities including academic field
trips. Instructors also work closely with
the Office of Student Life to provide
students with orientation activities,
leadership training, retreats and
campus life opportunities.
While each community is unique,
common features include:
Free tutoring and academic support
Opportunities for community
involvement
Guidance on college and financial
aid applications
Specialized counseling and transfer
support
Enrichment activities like a
welcome day, field trips and guest
speakers
We hope that if you are looking into
LMC as an option to begin your college
career, you will consider joining one of
the learning communities.
Puente Program
Courses (taken together)
Umoja Scholars
Program
Courses (taken together)
Student benefits
AVID Program
Courses
Student benefits
American Experience
Courses (taken together)
Student benefits
Student benefits
To learn more about the learning
communities offered each semester,
go to: www.losmedanos.edu/
learningcommunities
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Build Your Skills Outside of the Classroom
College can be challenging –
homework, studying, tests –
and can leave little time for
having a life! But students
who get involved in campus
programs outside of the classroom
are building leadership skills that are
helping them be more successful in
their careers.
Research has shown that students
involved in campus activities – such
as clubs, student government and
leadership programs – are more
successful in school and build important
leadership skills at the same time.
According to findings of the National
Center for Education Statistics,
students who participate in outside
activities have better attendance, make
better grades and tend to continue their
education further than those who aren’t
involved outside the classroom.
Leadership Opportunities at LMC
Student Clubs & Organizations
Join more than 20 active student clubs
at LMC! Students are encouraged
to organize and participate in clubs
that reflect their interests. Each club
is registered with the Student Life
Office and has a faculty/staff advisor
who helps organize meetings and plan
activities. You can join an existing club
or start one of your own!
Leadership Programs
The Office of Student Life provides
leadership development opportunities
to support students to become agents
of positive social change. The office
provides avenues for students to
get involved on campus and make
a difference at LMC and beyond.
These programs include orientations,
workshops, courses, campus retreats,
trips to regional conferences, film
series and more. All LMC students are
encouraged to participate. To find out
what’s currently going on or to learn
more, visit Student Life on the web at
www.losmedanos.edu/studentlife.
Honors Program
The LMC Honors Program gives highly
motivated students the chance to
develop their academic and leadership
skills, and to build a great resume
in the process! Taking our advanced
Honors courses looks impressive
to future employers and university
admissions officers. And the Honors
Club has almost a dozen officer
positions with specialized training
in skills like events planning, budget
management and marketing. Great
professors teach challenging Honors
courses in a personalized environment
surrounded by stimulating classmates.
For more information, visit
www.losmedanos.edu/honors.
Honors is open to students who are:
First-time freshmen who have
placed into English 100 and who
earned at least a 3.25 high school
GPA.
Continuing students with an A or
B in English 100 and who hold a
3.25 college GPA.
Student benefits:
Private center with lab and study
space
Honors Club
Special university transfer
agreements
Honors notation on transcript
For example, students who participate
in extracurricular activities learn to
organize their time better. Students
in organized clubs also expand and
explore their creative, physical, social,
political and career interests with likeminded
people.
Furthermore, it
looks good on college
applications and it
looks really good on
resumes.
Employers today
are looking for the
next great leader,
and college is a great
place to develop
your leadership
potential. Some of
the many leadership
skills that students
gain through their
campus involvement
include understanding their leadership
style, interpersonal communication and
conflict management strategies, event
planning skills, budget management,
Kirsten Peterson,
LMC Honors Program Alumna
Kirsten Peterson came to LMC with
an intention: taking classes that
would support her goal of transferring
to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She
is a Business Administration major
with an emphasis in events/meeting
management and is part of the Cal
Poly graduating class of 2009. She’ll
spend her 2009 summer as a film
production intern at Pixar Studios.
and motivation and recruitment
techniques.
So remember, while college can be
challenging, it can also be fun and a
great way to develop the leadership
skills that will help take your career to
the next level!
Associated Students (LMCAS)
The Los Medanos College Associated
Students (LMCAS) is the official
student government. Its primary
purpose is to advance the welfare of
all students by providing programs
and services designed to meet the
varied needs of students, sponsoring
activities and events, and representing
the student body on many college and
district committees. All students are
invited to get involved in their student
government.
“While at LMC,” Kirsten explained,
“I took advantage of as many
opportunities as I could to enhance
my experience and to build my skill
set. A major opportunity I received
was being elected Enrichment Events
co-chair for the Honors Club. While
in that position, I learned, first-hand,
about the importance of leadership. One event that we hosted was the all-day
Music and Dance Festival in May 2007. We had a dance competition open to
LMC students with judges and prizes. We had a large turnout of at least 100-
150 students to watch that competition. Afterwards, a series of bands came,
one after another, to perform on the outdoor amphitheater. Planning that
event was one of my greatest growing experiences in effective communication,
task delegation and positive leadership.
LMC events like this one gave me the experience necessary to land some job
positions after transferring to Cal Poly including a very competitive student
assistant job in events management on campus. When I asked my supervisor
why I had been offered the job, she mentioned how impressed she had been
with the amount of experience I already had. She specifically mentioned
the LMC Music and Dance Festival. Since graduating from LMC, I have
expanded my skills and expertise and am currently working in an internship
at a film and media studio in San Luis Obispo. I hope to use the skills I have
obtained to work in production management or publicity within the film
industry.”
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Careers A -Z
Los Medanos College
LMC Credential
College Skills Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
Associate of Arts/Science Degree
Gives you
Accounting:
Certificate of Achievement in Office Accounting Clerk/Bookkeeper
Certificate of Achievement in Accounting
Associate of Science Degree in Accounting
Administration of Justice:
College Skills Certificate - Criminal
Law Specialist
Associate of Science Degree in
Administration of Justice
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration:
College Skills Certificate in Appliance Service Technology; Heating, Ventilation,
and Air Conditioning
American Sign Language
Anthropology
Associate of Science Degree
Appliance Service Technology:
Certificate of Achievement in Appliance Service Technology
Associate of Science Degree in Appliance Service Technology
Art: Fine Arts
Associate of Arts Degree
Fine artists
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Art: Graphic Communications
Certificate of Achievement or Associate of Arts Degree
Art: Digital Publishing
Certificate of Achievement
Astronomy
Business
College Skills Certificates – Office Essentials, Administrative Assistant,, Medical Records
Clerk, Medical Transcriptions, Medical Office Management and Billing, Business
Transfer Preparation
Certificate of Achievement in Office Administration
Certificate of Achievement in Small Business Operations
Certificate of Achievement in Retail Management
Associate of Science in Business – Office Administration
Associate of Science in Business – Small Business Operations
Chemistry
Associate of Science Degree
Automotive Technology
Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Technology
Associate of Science Degree in Automotive Technology
Biological Science
Associate of Science Degree
Child Development
College Skills Certificates – Administration: Director of Private Schools, Early Childhood
Education, Curriculum in Infant Toddler Care, School Age Care, Special Needs Care &
Education, Working with Culturally Diverse Families in Early Childhood Setting
Associate Teacher Permit
Assistant Teacher Permit
Certificate of Achievement in Child Development
Associate of Science Degree in Child Development
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Computer Science/Computer Networking
College Skills Certificates in Computer Science Foundation, Computer Science
Competencies, Microsoft Applications, PC Repair Technician (A+ pending), Web
Design, Gaming (Pending)
Certificate of Achievement in Computer Science – Microcomputer Systems Specialist
Cosmetology
Certificate of Achievement in Cosmetology
Dramatic Arts
Economics
Engineering
Associate of Science Degree in Engineering
English
Fire Academy
College Skills Certificate in Basic Academy
Certificate of Achievement in Basic Academy
Electrical/Instrumentation Technology
Certificate of Achievement in Electrical
Technology
Certificate of Achievement in Industrial
Electronics
Associate of Science Degree in
Electrical Technology
Associate of Science Degree in
Industrial Electronics
Emergency Medical Services
College Skills Certificate - Emergency Medical Technician
Fire Technology
Certificate of Achievement in Fire Technology
Associate of Science Degree in Fire Technology
History
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Journalism
Associate of Arts Degree
Liberal Arts
Associate of Arts Degree
Philosophy
Physical Education
Management
College Skills Certificates in Communication Skills for Managers, Decision-Making Skills
for Managers, Professional Development Skills for Managers, Organizational Planning
Skills for Managers, Human Resource Skills for Managers
Certificate of Achievement in Management and Supervision
Associate of Science in Management and Supervision
Mathematics
Associate of Science Degree
Music
Physics
Political Science
Process Technology
Certificate of Achievement
Associate of Arts Degree
Associate of Arts Degree
Music: Commercial Music
Certificate of Achievement
Psychology
Associate of Arts Degree
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Real Estate
Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate
Associate of Science Degree in Real Estate
Transfer
Associate of Arts Degree
Recording Arts
Certificate or Associate of Arts Degree
Registered Nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing – LVN to RN
Sociology
Associate of Science Degree
Speech
Travel
College Skills Certificates in Travel Marketing, Cruise Travel Specialist, Home-Based Travel
Specialist
Certificate of Achievement in Travel Marketing
Associate of Science Degree in Travel Marketing
Vocational Nursing
Certificate in Vocational Nursing
Welding
Certificate of Achievement in Welding Technology
Associate of Science Degree in Welding Technology
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is celebrating
35 years
of higher education
in East Contra Costa County
Fall 1974 – Pittsburg campus opened with approximately
1800 students.
Fall 2008 – More than 9400 students attend
LMC in Pittsburg and Brentwood.
We now have more classes than ever before!
Our new classrooms have expanded space by 50%!
We’re looking forward to a bright future serving
the Greater East Contra Costa County community!

Success
begins at
Los Medanos College
Class Schedules
are available at the LMC Bookstore,
the Admissions Office, and the
Brentwood Center
Fall Enrollment Dates
Priority Appointments
- Online and Phone Only
Apr 30 - Aug 14 EOPS/DSPS/Active Military
Eligible Veterans
May 4 - Aug 14 Other Continuing Students
May 14 - Aug 14 Continuing High School Students
No Appointment Needed
May 18 - Aug 14 New/Returning Students,
with submission of college
Aug 3 - 14
Late Enrollment
Aug 17 - 28
Aug 28
Aug 17
application
Open Enrollment begins,
in-person, online or by phone
On a space available basis
Last day to drop w/refund
Fall Semester Begins
Go to WebAdvisor at
www.losmedanos.edu or
Call the phone registration system
925-370-9000 or
Visit the LMC Admissions Office
Mon-Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.,
Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
or the Brentwood Center
Mon-Thur: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.,
Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
(Campuses are closed Fridays, May 29 - July 31)
Transfer & Occupational Programs
Fire Academy/Technology
French
Astronomy
Graphic Communication
Journalism
Technology
Speech
LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
www.losmedanos.edu
A
TRADITION OF
EXCELLENCE
2 Locations:
2700 East Leland Rd.
Pittsburg, CA 94565
925-439-2181
101A Sand Creek Road
Brentwood, CA 94513
925-513-1625