Cerro Coso Community College has announced the graduation of the Class of 2026, celebrating the accomplishments of the students during commencement ceremonies held across its service area.
This is the largest number of graduates participating in commencement ceremonies in the college’s history, a press release from the college said.
This year, the release said, 753 graduates earned a total of 1,320 awards, with students earning 523 associate in arts degrees, 218 associate in science degrees, 545 certificates of achievement, 33 job skills certificates and one certificate of competency.
Graduates represented all the communities Cerro Coso serves, the release said, including 288 graduates from the Indian Wells Valley campus, 80 graduates from the Eastern Sierra College Center campus, 130 graduates from East Kern, and 12 graduates from the Rising Scholars program, along with 243 online students.
“The graduating class also reflected the diversity and resilience that define Cerro Coso students,” the release said. “While 143 students attended full-time, the majority — 610 students — balanced their education alongside careers, family responsibilities, military service and other life commitments while pursuing their goals.”
Cerro Coso President Dr. Sean Hancock said commencement is one of the most meaningful times of the year for the college.
“Our graduates represent determination, perseverance and the power of education to transform lives. Their journeys are unique, but they all share a commitment to building a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” Haddock said.
Cerro Coso has continued expanding opportunities for students through workforce training, transfer pathways, student support initiatives and community partnerships throughout the past academic year, the college reported.
The college saw growth in Career Technical Education, expanded student engagement events and regional recognition for programs ranging from cybersecurity to environmental science research.
“Student success remained at the center of the college’s mission across all campuses,” the release said. “From first-generation students and working parents to dual-enrollment high school students and veterans, Cerro Coso’s graduates reflect the broad range of learners the college proudly serves.”
At commencement, the release said, graduates crossed the stage surrounded by family, friends, faculty and staff, celebrating academic achievement, and the resilience and community support that made those achievements possible.
“Once a Coyote, always a Coyote,” Hancock said in the release. “We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact they will make in the world.”
