NOCE is partnering with various organizations in Orange County to offer access to the widest range of service programs and agencies of any transition event in the area!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Irvine Union School District Learning Center – 3387 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606

70 service agencies:

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NOCE is proud to announce that the Disability Support Services (DSS) Program has been selected as a “Model Program” by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) at its annual conference held September 24-26, 2025, in Anaheim, California.

The program was recognized for its exemplary initiatives in pathways and persistence. DSS serves adults with disabilities by providing inclusive educational programs, support services, and workforce development opportunities designed to help students succeed in higher education and competitive employment.

The DSS Program at NOCE guides students from K–12 transition to postsecondary education and beyond, offering foundational courses in academics, employment skills, and independent living. NOCE DSS serves students with mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and moderate cognitive disabilities through on-campus, online, and community-partnered instruction. Partnerships with NOCE’s Career Technical Education Program have expanded workforce pathways, including noncredit and credit certificates in fields such as healthcare, digital marketing, retail, childcare, and food service. Beyond traditional accommodations, NOCE DSS provides specialized counseling, educational coaching, peer mentoring, neurodivergent learner labs (ARISE), bus mobility training, and the Inclusion Ally program, which trains faculty and staff to support students’ inclusion and persistence. Workforce services assist students in developing employment goals and resumes, practicing interviews, job placements, and achieving competitive employment.

The program’s impact is measurable: in recent years, hundreds of students have participated in ARISE labs, educational coaching, and career programs, with many earning high school diplomas, certificates, and employment. Success stories, such as 2025 Student Success Award recipient Dar’rius Smith, who progressed from DSS classes to earning professional certificates and preparing to transfer to Cypress College for a career in IT support, highlight how the DSS Program transforms skills and career readiness.

A hallmark of the NOCE DSS Program is its collaboration with regional consortia, professional organizations, and community partners, ensuring innovative, replicable, and research-based approaches to inclusion. Through CAEP and other funding sources, the program continues to expand, demonstrating a model for postsecondary institutions across California and the nation. Congratulations to Dr. Adam Gottdank, Associate Dean for DSS Program, and the entire DSS team of faculty and staff for earning this award!

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Why you should attend: Meet real professionals, make real connections.

This is your opportunity to speak directly with industry professionals who are eager to meet students like you. No pressure, just conversations!

Practice your networking skills in a friendly space.

Not sure how to network? No problem! This event is designed to help you build confidence and sharpen your professional communication in a casual, supportive setting.

Get constructive feedback and real-world insight.

Take this opportunity to ask questions, receive valuable tips, and gain helpful feedback from professionals to prepare you for the workforce better.

Gain confidence and understand professional expectations.

This event is designed to help you grow. Learn what it takes to thrive in a professional environment, from communication to etiquette and beyond.

The post Join Us for Student Networking Night appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Congratulations to the 2025 NOCE graduates!

Nearly 700 students were celebrated at the NOCE 2025 Commencement and Student Success Ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos.

NOCE hosted a combined ceremony at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos for the first time to honor student achievement. By combining the two events, NOCE created an environment of inclusivity with a focus on transitioning to “next steps” while celebrating the graduates and program completers across all NOCE instructional programs: career technical education, high school diploma, GED preparation, disability support services transition, English as a Second Language advanced and academic success/college success, citizenship preparation, parenting, and student leadership.

Six outstanding students from each instructional program were also recognized with a Student Success Award for excelling in their academic endeavors, outstanding achievement, and service while often overcoming significant challenges. Thank you to our dignitary guests for attending and celebrating with us: President Brown, Dr. Dunsheath, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Bent, and Trustee Rosales, as well as Chancellor Breland, Vice Chancellor Williams, and District Director Stearns. 

The post Congratulations to the 2025 NOCE graduates! appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

Congratulations to the NOCE graduates and completers who were recognized at the events.

In addition, NOCE celebrated 10 Student Success Award winners who were nominated by faculty and staff. Two students from each instructional program were selected, awarded, and celebrated at the afternoon’s Student Success Event for embodying leadership, determination, and success while overcoming obstacles.

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 appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

myGateway to Look Different

NOCCCD Portal Redesign Launches 12/11/23

The NOCCCD myGateway portal is set to undergo major redesign, launching on December 11, 2023. The upgrade presents a new look and feel for myGateway.

Here are a few of the updated features in the new myGateway landing page:

• The new myGateway landing page will be tailored to all users’ specific role — student or employee
• Customizable widgets will be available including a new Canvas course and class registration widgets, with links to both classic registration tools as well as the new College Scheduler registration system will be included.
• Easier navigation
• A mobile-responsive design for tablets and phones
• A new search tool to find information quicker

The new MyGateway will still be accessible via the current MyGateway eye icon on the NOCE website. You can preview the upgrade here or by logging into myGateway and clicking on the link reading “See what’s new in the revamped myGateway” on the landing page.

Need Assistance?

• Students can view this document to help navigate the new landing page to frequently used links: New MyGateway Navigation and Customization Tips for Students
• Staff/Faculty can view this document for support in navigating to frequently used links in the new myGateway: New MyGateway Navigation and Customization Tips for Staff

Questions?

• Students needing additional support with myGateway can contact StarHelp during regular business hours at 714.808.4679 or starhelp@noce.edu.
• Employees needing additional support with the new myGateway landing page should contact District IS at ishelpdesk@nocccd.edu.
• You can also share feedback about the new myGateway on the site by using the “report a problem” link or searching for the survey.

The post District myGateway Portal to Undergo Redesign, Launching December 11, 2023 appeared first on North Orange Continuing Education.

The recent Vision 2030: A Call to Action-Adult Education Summit, co-hosted by North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) California Community College (CCC) Chancellor’s Office, and San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), highlighted the desire to invest, elevate, and reimagine adult education. The two-day summit held October 5-6, 2023, at SDCCCE, brought together more than 300 influential elected officials, community college visionaries, and representatives from business, industry, and labor to share expertise and innovative solutions to eliminate barriers for adult learners to reach their personal, educational, and career goals. CCC Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian, NOCE,and SDCCCE were proud to work together to showcase adult education as an accessible, nimble, and responsive segment of higher education for equitable education and socio-economic mobility.

Day one started with an overview by both noncredit education providers’ CEOs, NOCE President Valentina Purtell and SDCCE President Dr. Tina King. The two shared the comprehensive instructional and student support services offered by each institution and the desire to strengthen our communities through education. Next, an address from CCC Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian emphasized the critical importance of noncredit, adult education in uplifting the 6.8 million Californians living in or near poverty.

Panelists from government, business and industry, media, and education shared the stage throughout the two days, discussing topics that would elevate and reframe noncredit into an important engine for economic mobility. Some of the topics included successful and emerging adult education practices; pre-apprenticeship programs and workforce initiatives; pathways from noncredit-to-credit programs; baccalaureate degrees; data infrastructure; successful curricula for adult learners; and basic needs and student support services. A highlight of the summit was the student panel. Moderated by Board of Governors Student Trustee Paul Medina with students from NOCE, SDCCE, and East Los Angeles College, the group talked about how transformational experiences in noncredit programs shaped their career and educational journeys. NOCE was represented by Neshia Jenkins, student leader and Special Projects Coordinator, Community Engagement and Outreach.

Thanks to NOCE Vice President of Instruction Dr. Karen Bautista for serving as co-emcee, , as well as Special Projects Director for the Community College Technical Assistance Program (CC TAP) Dr. Lisa Takami for serving as a moderator about empowering lifelong learners, a panel with President Purtell, President Dr. King, and Citrus College Superintendent/President Dr. Greg Schulz. Dr. Cathleen Greiner introduced the NOCCCD Center for Entrepreneurship as an innovative program to offer instruction and financial support to adult learners seeking to start their own business. In addition, the Association of Community and Continuing Education (ACCE) noncredit professional advocacy organization was represented by Dr. Madelyn Arballo, Vice President at Mt. San Antonio College, as she spoke on a panel about adult education as a path to equitable workforce and economic development.

On Day two, North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland joined CCC Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian and San Diego Community College District Acting Chancellor Gregory A. Smith to discuss ways that leaders in community colleges can support adult education on their campuses. Dr. Breland emphasized equity in serving all students in our communities.

Vice President of Student Services Martha Gutierrez participated in a panel exploring ways to provide a comprehensive network of support services to eliminate barriers and ensure adult learner persistence. NOCE Basic Skills Faculty Member, Curriculum Chair, and ASCCC South Representative Dr. Kimberley Stiemke spoke as part of a panel about what faculty members need to support adult learners in and out of the classroom.

We were pleased to welcome and hear from Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Secretary of Labor Stewart Knox, Assemblymember David Alvarez, Assemblymember Chris Ward, Deputy Cabinet Secretary to California Governor Newsom Ben Chida, and San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Monica Mongomery Steppe.

Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Deputy Chancellor of California Community Colleges, shared 10 action steps to continue the momentum for investing in adult education at the close of the Vision 2030-Adult Education Summit:

• Build noncredit-to-credit baccalaureate programs.
• Provide credit for prior learning.
• Nurture new partnerships.
• Develop new tools to engage, then listen, to design basic needs support.
• Build flexible learning environments.
• Expand paid work-based learning.
• Integrate needs within the ecosystem.
• Create spaces to innovate with employers.
• Build robust career exploration and job placement.
• Tell our adult education story.

In addition, Presidents Purtell and Dr. King developed a document, Vision 2030: A Call to Action-Adult Education Summit – Challenges and Opportunities for Adult Education. The brief lists challenges as well as several proposed solutions for intentional investment in expanding the capacity of noncredit education to offer equitable access to education leading to economic mobility.

The Vision 2030: A Call to Action – Adult Education Summit website showcases the agenda, speakers, and sponsors. To view photos from the summit, click here: Photos-Vision 2030: A Call to Action-Adult Education Summit

The live stream videos of the event are available to watch via YouTube:

• Vision 2030: A Call to Action-Adult Education Summit – Day 1
• Vision 2030: A Call to Action-Adult Education Summit – Day 2

Special thanks to the NOCE planning team who worked tirelessly together with SDCCE on developing and executing this historic event; led by Executive Assistant to the President Julie Schoepf and Campus Communications Director Jennifer Perez and including NOCE team members who also hosted the prestigious panel members, and served as marketing representatives and media/press contacts: Amabel Arredondo, Michelle Bringman, Antionese Cotton, Nancy Flores, Monica Gomez, and Jayzelle Mata. NOCE looks forward to co-hosting the 2024 Adult Education Summit in Anaheim.

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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.

Parking

• Q: Where should guests park? How much will it cost?

  A: Campus Safety Officers and Traffic Control will guide all guests, students, and staff members to park throughout the Anaheim Campus for both the Commencement and Student Success Events. Parking is free for the day.
  
• Q. Where will disabled parking be to the event seating?

  A: We will have designated disabled placard parking in the Anaheim Campus West Lot. Campus Safety Officers and Traffic Control will guide you to park in the designated disabled parking. The disabled parking will be right next to the student check-in and family seating area.
• Q. Will there be a drop-off area?

  A: There will be an area where cars can drop off students. Please see the map for more details.

Location/Student Check-In

• Q. Where is the location of the event?

  A: Both the NOCE Commencement and NOCE Student Success Event will take place in the West Parking Lot at the Anaheim Campus at 1830 W. Romneya Drive. The main entrance will be at the south end of the West Parking Lot.
• Q. What do students do when they get to the event?

  A: After parking, students should come to the West Parking Lot and go to check-in at the south end. Welcome Ambassadors will greet students and guide them to the check-in tables. Once checked-in, students can take photos at the photo booth and then meet friends and faculty members in their program gathering area until it is time for line-up and procession.
• Q. Will there be restrooms at the event?

  A: Yes, portable restrooms will be available in the Anaheim Campus West Parking Lot.
• Q. Will there be food or drinks for sale?

  A: No, there will be no food or drinks for sale.
• Q. Will there be stroller parking?

  A: Yes, there will be a designated spot for strollers to sit. However, you are welcome to park these at your own risk. NOCE and NOCCCD is not responsible for your stroller or any of the items left in the stroller. 

Seating

• Q. Where will families sit? Will it be covered?

  A: NOCE will have two sections of bleacher seating available for family and friends. The event will be outside and the bleachers will NOT be covered. We encourage guests to be prepared for the sun by wearing hats and sunscreen, and bringing water, etc.
• Q. Is seating first come, first serve? Will there be an overflow area?

  A: Yes, seating will be first-come, first-served. We do not have a designated overflow seating area. 
• Q. Are students limited to a certain amount of guests?

  A: No, students are not limited in the amount of guests, but, again it is first-come, first-served in terms of seating and there is no overflow seating area.
• Q. Are balloons and noisemakers allowed at the event?

  A: No. Because every family deserves the opportunity to both see their graduate and hear their name being called, we ask that you please do not bring balloons or noisemakers into the ceremony area. You are welcome to keep your balloons in your car. Thank you for your courtesy and respect for all graduates.

Accessibility

• Q. Will the family and student seating be ADA/wheelchair accessible?

  A: NOCE has designated a space for ADA/wheelchair seating.  This area can accommodate the guest needing accessible seating plus one family member to accompany them. As students will be sitting in chairs on a flat, blacktop surface with no obstacles such as stairs, NOCE can accommodate any student needing accessible seating. 
• Q. Will the stage be accessible for students to get their certificate/diploma?

  A: The students will make their way up to the podium in front of the stage to pick up their certificate/diploma. Students will not need to go on the stage. This will be for both Commencement and Student Success Events.

Time

• Q. What time will parking and student check-in open?

  A. Student Success Event: parking will open, and check-in will start at 8 a.m.

  A. Commencement Ceremony: parking will open, and check-in will start at 4 p.m.
• Q. What time should students arrive for the Student Success Event?

  A: – Students should arrive and check in between 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. 
  – Orientation will be at 9 a.m. 
  – Line-up will be at 9:15 a.m. 
  – Procession and event begins at 9:30 a.m. SHARP
• Q. What time should students arrive for the Commencement Ceremony?

  A: – Students should arrive and check in between 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  – Orientation will be at 5 p.m.
  – Line-up will be at 5:15 p.m. 
  – Procession and event begins at 5:30 p.m. SHARP 
• Q. What time does the event start?

  A: For the Student Success Event, the ceremony will start at 9:30 a.m. SHARP. For Commencement, the event will start at 5:30 p.m. SHARP.

   
• Q. How long will the event last?

  A: Both the Student Success Event and Commencement Ceremony will last approx. 60-90 minutes.

Photography

• Q. Will there be photographers at the event?

  A: Yes. Grad Images will be present during both ceremonies to capture photographs of students receiving their diploma/certificate(s). NOCE will also be taking photos for their files to use in publications and marketing/communications. If you do not want to be in a photo, we ask that you tell the photographer. 
• Q. How can I get proofs of the photos taken during the awarding of certificates/diplomas?

  A: Students will have the option to purchase graduation photographs through Grad Images. To receive complementary proofs of your photos, complete and submit a Grad Images card. For more information, visit www.gradimages.com.
• Q. Is there a social media hashtag?

  A: Yes! Tag us in your celebration posts on social media with #nocegrad2023 and #nocealumni.

  • Like us on Facebook @North Orange Continuing Education (www.facebook.com/noce.edu)
  • Follow us on Twitter @noce_edu (www.twitter.com/noce_edu)
  • Tag us on Instagram @noce_edu (www.instagram.com/noce_edu) 
• Q. Will there be a livestream or videos for sale?

  A: Now, there will not be a livestream or videos for sale for the 2023 events.

Dress/Attire/Cap & Gown

• Q. What should I wear to the Student Success Event?

  A: Students, faculty, and guests should wear business casual dress to the Student Success Event. This is something that you would wear to an awards ceremony, church, or a wedding, etc. No regalia is worn at the Student Success Event.
• Q. What should I wear to the Commencement Ceremony?

  A: Students, faculty, and dignitaries will war regalia – cap, gown, and tassel – at the 2023 NOCE Commencement Ceremony. Staff supporting the event will wear an NOCE shirt and/or lanyard with dark-colored pants.

  • High School Diploma/GED Preparation students should wear NAVY BLUE gowns.
  • Career Technical Education Program students should wear GRAY gowns. 
• Q. What if I missed the deadline to order a cap and gown?

  A: We ask that students wear regalia to the Commencement Ceremony. NOCE does have a LIMITED amount of cap and gowns for purchase, $35 cash. To make a purchase and pick-up arrangements, please e-mail at administrativeservices@noce.edu. Late purchase from NOCE is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The Disability Support Services (DSS) program at NOCE held an Inverse Job Fair on May 24, 2022. During this event, the students from the Job Skills: Work Attitude & Employer Expectations class arrived with their employment portfolios and were then interviewed by “industry experts.”

The DSS staff served as the “industry experts,” representing six industries: food services, retail/customer service, early childhood education, office/clerical, warehouse/manufacturing, and healthcare. Using their portfolios and the knowledge gained from class throughout the semester, the students were given the opportunity to highlight their knowledge in a low-stake setting.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The jobless rate of those with a disability was about twice as high as the rate for those without a disability,” at 10.1% in 2021. Lorri Guy, DSS Program Coordinator, echos this, stating, “Students with disabilities are underrepresented in the workplace and overexpressed in statistics of unemployment, underemployment, and poverty.  Especially in high turnover industries, interviewees often only get one shot at securing a position; for students with disabilities, or even students who are just nervous, this is a barrier to employment.”

This Inverse Job Fair will not be the last of its kind – Guy states, “This event was a trial run for what we hope to be a larger event next year. We would like to invite local employers and invite all DSS job seekers to address misconceptions of disability in the workplace, provide real interview prep to our students, and hopefully secure competitive, integrated employment opportunities.”

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