NOCE’s 2024 Spring Semester classes are starting soon! Classes start Friday, January 12, 2024. For detailed application and registration information, visit the NOCE Registration page. 

Learn more about our exciting online and in-person course offerings. NOCE’s tuition-free classes can help you finish your diploma, learn English, build career skills, live independently, and more! Visit the NOCE Schedule page to find the right classes for you this spring semester!

You Can Do It! We Can Help.

Get Started: NOCE Application

Need Help? Contact Us: 714.808.4679 or starhelp@noce.edu

Registration Assistance Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The post The 2024 Spring Semester is starting soon! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, NOCE will host the Power Up Resource Fair: Holiday Edition for current and new students.

The event will be held at the first-floor Anaheim Campus (105/107, Student Center, 100B, and outside entrance parking circle) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The resource fair aims to engage students and community members with support services and promote registration for the 2024 Spring Semester. Some of the partners include (but are not limited to): 

• Free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, thyroid, flu vaccinations, and more, by Central City Health 
• Free cell phones and tablets provided by Outreach Programs of America*
• Service navigation for CalFresh, MediCal, WIC, and more with the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers
• Legal services hosted by Community Legal Aid SoCal
• Services for undocumented individuals through the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights, LA (CHIRLA)
• All of Us Campaign, which is a research and wellness resource by the University of California at Irvine (UCI)
• Nutritional delivery boxes through Project Food Box
• U.S. Marine Corps recruitment office
• Mental health resources through NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Workforce development services with Chrysalis
• Dental health program through Smile California
• Cypress College and Fullerton College
• NOCE: Counseling, Grads to Be, Rising Scholars, Career Skills and Resource Center, ARISE Lab, Learning Centers, Student Technology Support Services, LGBTQ+ Pride Center, and NOCE instructional programs.

For this event, Santa and Fanta III will be joining the event to share holiday cheer and cookies. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the fun! (*Income eligibility is required for some services). For the most up-to-date information, visit the Power-Up Website.

The post Join us for our Holiday Power-Up Resource Fair on December 6, 2023! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Wishing our entire NOCE community a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

This is a friendly reminder that all three NOCE Centers will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2023, and Friday, November 24, 2023.

We will reopen on Monday, November 27, 2023.

The post Happy Thanksgiving! NOCE Will Be Closed On November 23 – 24, 2023 appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., NOCE will host the Power Up Resource Fair for current and new students.

The event will be held at the Anaheim Campus first floor (105/107, Student Center, 100B, and outside entrance parking circle). The purpose of the resource fair is to engage students and community members with support, services, and to promote registration in late start fall classes. Some of the partners and programs participating in the Power Up Resource Fair include (but are not limited to):

Community Resources: Services of America (Free Cell Phone/Tablet Program), CalFresh, Diaper Depot, Project Food Box, Pathways of Hope, US Navy, US Immigration Law Group, Legal Aid Services, and more.

NOCE: Counseling, Grads to Be (Undocumented Services), Rising Scholars (Formerly Incarcerated Services), Career Skills and Resource Center, ARISE Lab, Learning Centers, Student Technology Support Services, and NOCE instructional programs.

Students will be able to get a FREE cell phone or tablet*, pick up free diapers, apply for ongoing food support through CalFresh*, connect with legal services, chat about mental health resources, learn about job opportunities, and register for tuition-free courses. (*Income eligibility is required for some services).

The post Join us for our first Power Up Resource Fair! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

All North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) locations and services will re-open and all classes will be held as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Students, please contact your instructors directly with any questions you may have about your classes, including missed assignments.

President Valentina Purtell thanked the NOCE community on Monday afternoon for their patience as we navigated through Tropical Storm Hilary.

“The safety of students and employees has been and will continue to be our top priority. We wish you and your loved ones well, especially those that may be recovering from the storm. We look forward to continuing with a successful fall semester both in-person and online. See you in class!”

The post Campus Update – All Classes Will Resume Tuesday, August 22, 2023 appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Classes are still open to sign up. Register today! The free courses are for people aged 18+:

Classes at Anaheim Campus

Classes at Cypress Center

Classes at Wilshire Center

Classes Online

English classes that will help you with the transition to college:

Citizenship Prep. Classes:

Note: Before attending class, course registration is required.

Need Registration Assistance?

StarHelp can help you fill out your NOCE application, register for classes, and access the myGateway student portal. 

• StarHelp phone: 714.808.4679
• StarHelp e-mail: starhelp@noce.edu

The post It’s not too late! Register for these English classes today! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that colleges and universities could not take race into consideration for granting admission. As the Chief Executive Officers for the North Orange County Community College District, Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education, we believe that this decision overturns a long-standing precedent that ensures under-represented students not only have access to the benefits provided by higher education but also receive much-needed support to succeed.

More specifically, this ruling ignores decades of evidence showing positive outcomes enabled by affirmative action and overturns important legal precedents that protect our students.

We agree with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the only Latina on SCOTUS, who wrote in the dissenting opinion that “equal educational opportunity is a prerequisite to achieving racial equality in our Nation.” 

Our students, employees, and communities should know that we will not allow such a decision to derail or have a negative impact on our continued support for educating and empowering those who have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education and positions of influence and leadership. 

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on SCOTUS, noted that “…deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life. Gulf-sized race-based gaps exist with respect to the health, wealth, and well-being of American citizens. Every moment these gaps persist is a moment in which this great country falls short of actualizing one of its foundational principles – the ‘self-evident’ truth that all of us are created equal.” 

As a reminder, race based admissions have been unlawful for California’s public colleges and universities since the state’s voters banned it more than twenty-five years ago, back in 1996 with the passage of Prop 209. Even so, the affirmative action debate continues to be divisive along racial and political lines. Our students, employees, and communities should know that we will not allow such a decision to derail or have a negative impact on our continued support for educating and empowering those who have traditionally been under-represented in higher education and in positions of leadership.

We are proud that community colleges have always served, and will continue to serve, all students seeking a better future through education. As a major transfer institution in the state of California, particularly for students of color, the North Orange County Community College District and its educational institutions have fully committed to being welcoming and inclusive equity-minded, anti-racist learning environments where diverse students are supported to pursue and attain success. As stated in Resolution No. 20/21-22, Affirming the North Orange County Community College District’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism we hereby strongly reaffirm “our support for diversity in faculty and staff hiring; diversity among faculty, students, staff, and programs; and expect everyone in the District community, through their roles and responsibilities, to implement the District’s diversity initiatives and maintain a climate of respect, civility, anti-racism, and inclusion as part of the institution’s commitment to educational excellence.”

Sincerely,

Valentina Purtell
President, NOCE

Dr. JoAnna Schilling
President, Cypress College

Dr. Cynthia Olivo
President, Fullerton College

Dr. Byron D. Clift-Breland
Chancellor, NOCCCD

The post NOCCCD Leaders Make Statement Regarding Supreme Court Ruling on the Use of Race in Admissions appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Build friendships while staying healthy and active.

Classes are still open to sign up. Register today! The free courses are for people age 50+ and others who have an interest in the following topics:

Health and Wellness – HLTH 200 (CRN 41657)

1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 6 – August 1, 2023

This exercise and wellness class promotes physical and mental well-being in a supportive environment. Includes low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises, and relaxation techniques. Lectures and discussions on healthy habits, improving sleep, and managing stress. Fourth floor, room 402A.

Music Arts – MUSC 200 (CRN 41660)

9:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 8 – August 3, 2023

Learn about music from different time periods. Hear music from around the world. Engage in discussions about music and build your sense of community with other students. Students will participate in sing-alongs and other rhythmic activities. Features live guitar music. Fourth floor, room 402A.

Creative Arts – CRAE 100 (CRN 41653)

1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. on Thursdays, June 8 – August 3, 2023

Find new expressive ways to tell your stories and explore the seven elements of art. Learn about artists throughout history who used the mediums the class will explore. Experiment with graphic and sculptural processes using wire, paper, charcoal, clay, paint, and more. Fourth floor, room 402B.

NOCE Anaheim Campus, 1830 W. Romneya Dr., Anaheim
Note: Before attending class, course registration is required

Need Registration Assistance?

StarHelp can help you fill out your NOCE application, register for classes, and access the myGateway student portal. 

• StarHelp phone: 714.808.4679
• StarHelp e-mail: starhelp@noce.edu

The post Older Adult Summer Classes at the Anaheim Campus! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

For the first time, the celebration events were held on the NOCE Anaheim Campus, transforming the West Parking Lot with a stage, stadium seating, and photo opportunities.

President Valentina Purtell thanked NOCE team members for everything each person did throughout the year to ensure our students reached their goals. This year, NOCE awarded 179 high school diplomas and GED/HiSET certificates, 182 career technical education certificates, 48 Disability Support Services certificates, 515 English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship Preparation certificates, and 11 Parenting Program certificates. In addition, NOCE recognized our 2022/23 Student Leaders. This equates to 935 total students reaching an important momentum in their educational journey.

Thanks to the NOCE Commencement and Student Success Event Committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure successful events and for their leadership in designing a special experience for our students and their guests.

The post NOCE Celebrates Graduates, Program Completers at Spring Celebration Events appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Suzie Gulshan, NOCE Student Leader

Suzie Gulshan, a Student Leader at North Orange Continuing
Education (NOCE), immigrated to the United States from New Delhi,
India when she was three years old. As a Punjabi Sikh, Gulshan only
spoke her native Punjabi language after immigrating. Sikhism
advocates equality, social justice, service to humanity, and tolerance of
other religions. The message of Sikhism is spiritual devotion and
reverence of God at all times while practicing the ideals of honesty, compassion, humility, and generosity in everyday life. Around the time of Gulshan’s family’s immigration there were only a few thousand Punjabi’s in the Los Angeles area; because of this communities were small and close-knit. Growing up, Gulshan and her family experienced many challenges, particularly when finding and securing employment.

In the 1970’s Gulshan’s father had to cut his hair and remove his turban, a significant sacrifice for participants of the Punjabi Sikh religion. “I am very proud of my Punjabi Sikh heritage, and I want people to know that I am Hindu… we are not terrorists because men wear turbans. We are a very distinct religion, a distinct language, and very distinct ideals and views on life,” states Gulshan. “Nowadays, Punjabi Sikh’s are proud of their heritage. More and more men keep their long hair and wear their turbans and speak Punjabi in public, and have ascended to positions in the White House, CEOs, and now the newly appointed President of the World Bank.”

Gulshan loves learning. “It’s never too late to go back to school,” Gulshan states. “I am always
inspired when I read a news story about someone much older than I am that earned their High School Diploma, and/or a college degree.” Gulshan was interested in taking online classes for personal enrichment. Then, when she found out that NOCE hosted tuition-free classes, she was ready to get started. “I take classes at NOCE, Santa Ana College, and Mt. SAC — all in the Career Technical Education (CTE) department to either enhance my skills, personal interests, or to pursue a certificate.” Gulshan is currently enrolled in the Business Management, Contracts and Business Negotiations class at NOCE.

Gulshan had the opportunity to attend the recent Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) Conference held in Oakland, Calif. With Gulshan in attendance were multiple NOCE Student Leaders, NOCE President Valentina Purtell, and North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Chancellor Dr. Byron Breland. “My personal goal is to get more involved in the Sikh community and resettled Afghan refugees while giving back to others,” Gulshan shares. “I want to make
sure all students get their voices heard and know that we Student Leaders are their advocates,” Gulshan
states. “I feel very fortunate that I have had so many great opportunities in my educational pursuits that
I want to commit my work in the community colleges and higher education in general.”

Jayzelle Mata, Communications Specialist

Jayzelle Mata, a proud Filipino American, was born and raised in the United States. Mata treasures her culture and traditions and is fluent in English, Tagalog, and American Sign Language. She firmly believes that her cultural identity is an inseparable part of who she is. Growing up as a Filipino American was not always easy. “Being a Filipino American in the United States has always been an interesting path. The generations before us always dreamed of coming to America and being American, however, for those of us who were born in and grew up in the United States, there has always been an internal battle with assimilating with Western Culture while also keeping Filipino traditions alive,” Mata states. “For me, growing up, in middle school and high school, it was hard to figure out what it really meant to be Filipino, and I think there are many people in my generation that may have felt lost, like I felt.”

However, as her own curiosity and various awareness movements grew, Mata found clarity in her cultural identity. She now sees the beauty in Filipino culture and is proud to be a Filipino-American woman. “Today, I think the Filipino culture and traditions are beautiful – there is no more confusion about who I am as a Filipino American woman,” Mata shares. Mata acknowledges the importance of learning about different cultures and believes that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month provides an opportunity for people to grow in compassion and understanding. “AAPI Heritage Month encompasses such a vast variety of people with beautiful cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Learning about them is something that will only help us to grow as a more compassionate, understanding human being.”

Being a member of the NOCE Campus Communications team, Mata shares her rich background in multimedia production and marketing. Mata enjoys working with her colleagues and being able to make an impact on the NOCE students’ lives. “I love working at NOCE because it is such a welcoming and supportive environment. All the staff, faculty, and students are kind and generous,” Mata shares. “We all have the same goal to help our students and it’s great to be on the same page with so many like-minded individuals. NOCE is great!”

Currently Mata is pursuing a Sign Language Interpreter certificate from El Camino College. “I have always had a passion for helping people, and I have fallen in love with the Deaf community,” says Mata. “Sign Language is a beautiful, creative, and interesting language and I hope to one day be able to help those that need sign language interpretation services.”

The post NOCE Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.