LA Pierce College Brahma Beat - Issue 117
Pierce College Bookstore Now Accepts EBT, Supporting Student Food Access On Campus
Pierce College Bookstore now accepts EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards for eligible food purchases, making it easier than ever for students to access nutritious pantry and frozen food options right on campus.
Students who receive CalFresh benefits can now use their EBT cards at the campus bookstore to purchase qualifying grocery items, including non-perishable pantry items, frozen foods, canned goods and snacks and drinks that are EBT-eligible under state guidelines.
While hot prepared foods are not currently eligible for purchase using EBT, Pierce is actively working on expanding its food access offerings, including efforts to become approved for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in the future. If approved, this would allow eligible EBT users, such as students who are experiencing homelessness, seniors, or those with disabilities, to purchase hot and ready-to-eat meals on campus.
PACE at Pierce: A Lifeline for Returning Students and Working Adults
Pierce College’s Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE) continues to serve as a vital resource for adult learners, working professionals, and student parents seeking flexible pathways to reach their educational goals. As the only remaining PACE program in the Los Angeles Community College District, Pierce’s model stands out for its commitment to student success, support, and accessibility.
With over 2,000 students enrolled this fall and 12.5% of the Spring 2025 graduating class made up of PACE students, the program continues to support learners who are balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities.
PACE courses are offered in convenient eight-week sessions, with many available online, making it possible for students to focus on one or two classes at a time while continuing to make progress toward their degrees.
Students across the program have shared how the structure and support of PACE helped them persist, graduate, and even transfer to top universities.
“As a returning college student and full-time employee, PACE gave me something I don't believe I'd find elsewhere: balance,” said Jackelyne.
Pierce College Expands Zero Textbook Cost Program with New Support for Faculty and Students
Los Angeles Pierce College continues to expand its commitment to access and affordability through its growing Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program. With more than 300 class sections designated as ZTC each semester, students are saving nearly $1 million collectively on textbooks every term.
To help students take advantage of these savings, the college has launched a new campus-wide advertising campaign. Informational signs are being installed around campus and in the mall to help students recognize the ZTC symbol in the class schedule and understand how to search for these sections when registering. Faculty who are teaching ZTC courses are encouraged to inform their department chairs so that the ZTC designation can be included in the schedule.
In addition to helping students, the college is also investing in faculty through a new paid professional development program aimed at supporting the creation of high-quality, zero-cost courses. This effort includes participation in the Peer Online Course Review (POCR) process, a statewide initiative developed by the California Virtual Campus (CVC) to improve the quality of online teaching and learning.
UPCOMING EVENT AND HIGHLIGHTS & ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS / ASSISTANCE
UC TAG Application Help: Support Available All Week
In the days leading up to the September 30, 2025 deadline, the LAPC Transfer Center is offering in‑person and Zoom support to assist students with their University of California Transfer Admission Guarantee (UC TAG) applications. Help is available Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Students can drop by the Transfer Center or connect remotely for guidance. The final deadline to submit the UC TAG application for Fall 2026 is Tuesday, September 30, by 11:59 PM.
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Student Services Building, 1st Floor Transfer Center, UC Santa Barbara will host a UC TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) workshop on campus to help students understand how to plan for guaranteed admission to UC schools. Students can stop by to get guidance, ask questions, and learn how the TAG program can support transfer goals.
Show your Brahma pride and cheer on our student-athletes at these upcoming matches:
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Men’s Soccer team heads on the road to take on Victor Valley College. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Don’t miss the action as the Brahmas look to make their mark in this away game.
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Women’s Soccer team will face off against Allan Hancock College at 4:00 p.m. in the South Gym. Come cheer them on as they defend their home turf.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Women's Soccer team returns to Shepard Stadium for a 4:00 p.m. match against Moorpark College. This is a key matchup as the season heats up.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, as Women’s Volleyball takes on Allan Hancock College in the South Gym at 6:00 p.m. Expect a competitive and energetic match.
On Friday night Men’s Soccer is back at Shepard Stadium for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Come out and show your Pierce College spirit.
ASO Concert: Richard An Performance
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, join us in the Performance Arts Building on campus for ASO Concerts: Richard An. Richard An will be performing as part of the Associated Student Organization’s free concert series—come enjoy live music and support your peers.
Latine Heritage Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Multicultural Center will present a panel discussion and Q&A in observance of Latine Heritage Month. Discover stories of heritage and future visions as speakers reflect on cultural history and pathways forward.
Fresh Bodega – Free Produce & Pantry Distribution
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, head to the Pierce College Mall (outside the library along The Mall) for a free food distribution event featuring fresh produce and non‑perishables. This community‑focused event is open to all and designed to help support students and staff with food resources on campus.
Meet Your Major Fair: Discover Your Path at Pierce College
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join us at The Great Hall on campus for the Meet Your Major Fair. This public event invites students to explore their academic options at Pierce College—meet faculty and department representatives, ask about career paths, coursework, and possible transfer universities.