Faculty and staff at Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) are strengthening a culture centered on human connection, embracing Caring Campus as a framework for intentionally supporting students.
Motivated by a desire to improve student persistence, retention, and success, LAPC made the strategic decision to invest institutional funds to implement Caring Campus.
“We chose to invest institutional funds to go all-in, spark cultural change on our campus, and meet students where they’re at,” LAPC President Aracely Aguiar said. “Caring Campus is unique because it can grow from every direction of our campus: top down, bottom up, and peer to peer.”
One innovative implementation effort is LAPC’s Ambassadors Program, made up of approximately 50 staff members who model Caring Campus behaviors in their departments. The college also provides ongoing orientations for faculty and staff focused on creating welcoming and supportive learning environments.
Those efforts are reflected in the experiences of students across campus, including Early Childhood Education major Esbii Pereira Almanza.
“I had so much trouble finding a college where I could enroll, and when I arrived at Pierce, multiple staff members in the International Students Office took the time to help me through every step,” Pereira Almanza said. “That very first moment of welcoming was what attracted me to this college.”
LAPC recently earned Caring Campus Bronze-Level Certification, recognizing its intentional efforts to embed care into daily campus practices while continuing to pursue growth.
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