BC's one-stop shop in Wasco High

There will be a ribbon cutting Friday, Feb. 8 at 10 a. m. at Independence High School to celebrate the Wasco High School District’s newest collaboration with Bakersfield College.

“Students will now be able to do a ‘one-stop shopping’ at Independence High when they register for college classes,” said Independence High Principal Martin Lonza. Students at Wasco High, Independence High and the community at large will be able to register for classes at BC for the fall semester.

“No one from Wasco will need to drive all the way out to Bakersfield College on Panorama [Drive, in Bakersfield] to register for classes at BC,” Adult Education Coordinator Marlene Flores said. “Everything can be taken care of at Independence.”

Adult education student Sayza Obaid was in the adult education office with BC Academic Liaison Kim Collins asking questions on how this collaboration could help her. “Every week, a total of four BC staff members come to Wasco to counsel students on questions they may have,” Collins said.

“High school students can take BC classes for free,” said Lonza. “Those out of high school would pay regular tuition fees like a regular BC student out of high school.”

“Wasco Adult Ed joined a consortium a few years ago with BC,” said Lonza. “We’ve hired an adult education coordinator to facilitate the one-stop shop.”

“Students can sign up for BC or adult education to continue their education.” He added that students can attend Wasco High or Independence High and BC at the same time.

Independence High has installed three new portable classrooms to house the additional classes. “Beginning Monday, February 11, Introduction to Business will be offered through BC at Independence High,” Lonza said. “This is a very exciting time for us at the Wasco Union High School District.”