News Release

IWV Campus

Cerro Coso Community College Receives Local Funding for New Engineering Program

January 29, 2009

Cerro Coso Community College is pleased to announce the establishment of a two-year pre-engineering program for both mechanical and electrical engineering students. This engineering program was developed in consultation with an advisory committee of China Lake Naval personnel, Cerro Coso faculty and administration, Sierra Sands School District faculty and administration, and California State University representatives. This program has been articulated with both the University of California and California State University systems for transfer.

Demonstrating their support for this new program, Jacobs Technology, DCS Corporation, New Directions Technologies, Inc. (NDTI) and Systems Application and Technologies (SA-TECH) have joined together to sponsor the 2009 Engineering courses by "adopting" engineering classes at Cerro Coso. Their collective donation of $20,000 will cover the cost of adjunct instructors for the next four courses, thus guaranteeing that they will remain in the schedule. "This partnership is a marvelous example of local business stepping up to help provide for their own future and for the futures of our young people" stated Cerro Coso President, Dr. Mary Retterer.Dale Gates (Jacobs), Chuck Faris (DCS), Cedric Knight (NDTI) and Geoff DeZavala (SA-TECH) have all expressed their commitment to the College and community by continuing to support this Engineering program in the hope that it will increase the applicant pools for engineering positions throughout the Indian Wells Valley.

Photo from L to R: Geoff DeZavala, Chief Operations Officer SA-TECH; Dale Gates, Division Vice President and General Manager Jacobs Technology; Dr. Mary Retterer, President of Cerro Coso Community College; Cedric Knight, President/CEO NDTI; and Chuck Faris, Vice President DCS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260