West Hills College Coalinga has been serving students in the San Joaquin Valley for over 70 years. It aims to provide educational opportunities and resources to help students complete their goals. The college serves a diverse student body, many of whom face challenges like low income, low education levels, or lack of financial stability. To help these at-risk populations, the college offers various student support programs and services that address common social issues in the community. These practices align with social work values of increasing access to resources and promoting social justice.
2. WHCC HISTORY AND DEMOGRAPHICS
History Demographics
West Hills College district has Serves students from small
be serving the San Joaquin communities such as
valley for over 7 decades in Armona, Avenal, Cantua,
locations such as Coalinga, Coalinga, Firebaugh,
Firebaugh, and Lemoore. Hanford, Huron, Kettlemen
city, Laton, Lemoore,
Mendota and many more
West Hills College Coalinga
was opened to students in Ethnic Demographics
1956. 59% are Hispanic
32% White,
4% African American and low
percentages on any other
ethnicities.
I work in student services
and, therefore, deal with
different services.
3. MAIN SOCIAL ISSUES
West Hills College student services directs access to services for
students who are in need of services because of the different social
issues that exists.
There are different programs offer to students that address social
issues such as low income, low levels of educational levels, legal
status and so on.
One of the main problem at the college is that students place below
college levels of math and English. In order to help these students
there is the Basic Skill Initiative Program.
Another social issue that exists in this community is the lack of
financial stability.
In order to address this social issue among students there are
programs such as EOPS, Cal Works, Camp ,and HEP programs.
.
4. WEST HILLS COLLEGE COALINGA’S SERVICES
CalWorks-This program is for International Student Program-This
students who are receiving cash program is for international students
aid(TANF). The program offers that come from all over the country.
childcare, employment opportunities, This program tries to make the
and refers students to other sources. students transition and experience
CAMP/HEP- This program is for into the college and United States the
students who’s parents or themselves best experience. This program offers
have worked in agriculture. This academic support, language classes,
program offers academic support, clubs, sports and many more.
financial support for books and other Student Support Services-Federally
school supplies. funded and it is for students who are
EOPS/CARE- is a state funded low income, first generation, or
program that helps students that are students are physically disable.
of low income and have low levels of
education. This program offers
academic support as well as financial
support through book services, grants
and book supplies. This program also
offers life learning workshops and
students get priority registration.
6. MAIN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
President of the college
Administrative assistant.
Director of Maintenance, Vice President of Student Services, Director of Farm of the Future
and vice president of educational services.
Title IV Projects, Student Services, Health Careers, Associate dean of Student Learning
Associates Dean of Student Services, Director of Financial Aid, Director of North District
Food Services, Office Manager
And More
7. COMMUNITY CONTEXT OF THE AGENCY
The community college is intended to meet community needs in Coalinga,
Ca. The main service is to provide education however, the community also
has the right to request things for them.
There are college meetings for the community to discuss the needs of the
community. In these meetings the community can request things like
educational classes for the people from the community. For example, the
elderly then the college does their best to provide the services requested.
The community college is open to work with local businesses that ask for
request like typing classes or any other type of classes.
8. POPULATIONS AT RISK
During 2009-2010 academic year “984 students took a
placements test. Approximately 90% of those students
placed below college math and English levels”
These students come in to the college with a
disadvantage because they come from low income
families, or limited resources to enhance their
educational levels. The college has created the Basic
Skills Initiative Program (BSI) in response to this issue.
The Basic BSI program offers workshops, tutoring and
many other things that help the student.
9. WORKING COMPONENTS OF THE BSI
PROGRAM
Orientation, assessment, and
placement are mandatory for all
new students
Regular program
evaluations are conducted,
results are disseminated
widely, and data are
used to improve practice.
Counseling support provided
is substantial, accessible,
and integrated with
academic courses/programs
Information on opportunities
such as financial aid.
10. AGENCY’S MISSIONS & GOALS
The main Mission of the college is to provide education
opportunities for students.
“West Hills College Coalinga is committed to achieving
student learning through the provision of educational,
cultural, and economic development opportunities
to our current and future students
and the local and global communities that we serve.
West Hills Community college has four mission goals that
they follow in order to provide adequate services to
students and community.
11. 4 GOALS OF THE COLLEGE
West Hills Community college has four mission goals that they follow
in order to provide adequate services to students and community
1. We will maintain our focus on improving student success,
improving customer service, and on being learner-centered.
This is done by the college meeting strategic goals set by the district goal
2. We will develop and strengthen college and community
interactions to improve access to education opportunities.
This is done by providing services to help students such as offering
tutorial services.
3. We will demonstrate academic quality, leadership, engagement,
innovation, and creative thought.
This is done by putting students first in all ways. This refers to offering the
classes and services needed for students to complete their education and
expand their opportunities.
12. GOALS OF COLLEGE
4. We will effectively utilize existing resources and pursue
additional resources to achieve the mission of the college.
This is accomplished with all of the services that the college offers.
13. ANALYZE THE AGENCY’S PRACTICES
Instructional Non-Instructional
Instructional practices are The non-instructional
the classes being taught by practices are the resources
instructors for students.
Instructors follow a that the college has available
curriculum and syllabus that at the college.
guides the class and Some of those are counseling
students throughout the at the student services,
semester. Financial aid, programs such
Students are completing
as EOPS, CAL Works,
their educational goals Camp, HEP, and DSPS.
through available classes at
West Hills College.
14. SIGNIFICANCE OF AGENCY
Social Justice Social Work Values and Human
The agency’s main purpose and goal is to Rights
help students meet their educational In order to help students reach their
needs while at the same time prepare educational goals the college offers
them to transfer to a university to pursue a and refer students to different
bachelorette degree. services. This implies with social work
West Hills College provides programs for because one of the roles of social
students who have low income, and low work is to asses and refer clients to
levels of education. West Hills College different services that are needed in
addresses the different social issues and order for client to succeed.
provides opportunities of improvement The college and staff asses students
and help for those that need it through by teaching, helping and counseling
certain programs available. students in the right direction. Social
The college also offers programs for workers also teach, help, and counsel
students who have low levels of clients in the right direction when
education. needed.
All these addresses the social issues that
exists among this population of students.
15. WORK CITED
Simon, Giselle. Personal interview. 19 Oct. 2011.
"West Hills College Coalinga." West Hills
Community College District. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct.
2011. <http://www.westhillscollege.com/coalinga