With a significant proportion of students being first-generation Hispanics, the college provides essential resources and support services to ensure their success. From academic guidance to student service programs, ELAC strives to empower its students to make the most of their college experience.

ELAC also offers the First Year Experience (FYE) for all incoming new students. This program includes resources like dedicated counselors, success coaches, and a summer transition program that helps students acclimate to college life. By fostering a supportive environment, ELAC ensures that first-year students can navigate their educational journey.

Almost all ELAC students qualify for the College Promise program, which offers two years of free tuition. This, along with various other financial aid options, can help to cover school costs. This support is crucial for many students who face economic challenges while pursuing their academic goals at ELAC.

The college's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its dedicated faculty, who are known for their passion for teaching and willingness to assist students in achieving their goals, which encourages students to engage actively with their education and build meaningful relationships with peers and instructors.

East Los Angeles College provides students with a robust framework for success through its supportive programs, financial aid opportunities, and diverse academic offerings. These elements combine to create an enriching environment that empowers students to thrive both academically and personally.

The impact of these programs and resources is best illustrated by the experiences of ELAC students and alumni, whose stories showcase the college’s transformative role in their academic and personal journeys.

Anco Veiga: Championing Academics, Athletics, and Environmental Advocacy at ELAC

Amidst the diverse student body at ELAC, Anco Veiga, an international student from Brazil, stands out for his dedication to both athletics and academics. A soccer team captain, Anco is pursuing a degree in environmental science with a minor in philosophy, driven by a passion for sustainability and community service. 

Anco values the academic growth he’s experiencedat ELAC, crediting his professors and lab resources for making learning hands-on. Through ELAC’s collaboration with UCLA on the Sea Grant project, Anco gained critical field experience in environmental research.  He also recalls ELAC’s inclusive culture, like the bi-weekly food pantry initiative and cultural events celebrating diversity.

His advice to fellow Hispanic and Latino students: to connect with Hispanic counselors for guidance. Anco’s ELAC experience exemplifies how education can foster personal growth, community engagement, and meaningful change, paving the way for his future in environmental advocacy. He dreams of leading eco projects; he founded a nonprofit in 2020 focused on beach clean-ups and providing supplies to low-income communities.

Leslie Reynoso: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment at ELAC

Leslie Reynoso, a student at ELAC and Vice President of the Associated Student Union at ELAC South Gate, exemplifies resilience and dedication. In her second year, Leslie is preparing to transfer to pursue psychology, driven by a desire to help children navigate mental health challenges.

As the first in her family to pursue higher education, Leslie felt the weight of her parents’ hopes. Financial barriers initially made her question her path, but ELAC provided a supportive foundation. Programs like the First Year Experience (FYE) and the Honors Program offered mentorship, academic planning, and a sense of belonging.

Leslie embraced opportunities at ELAC, engaging in extracurriculars and finding solidarity within the Hispanic and Latino community. Tuition-free education through ELAC alleviated financial worries, enabling her to focus on personal growth. She was involved in the Basic Needs Center and ASU and gave back to her community.

Leslie’s journey underscores the power of accessible education and supportive environments. Her advice to others is to embrace every opportunity and seek support. As she moves forward, Leslie’s story remains an inspiring example of resilience, dedication, and the transformative impact of education.

Breaking Barriers: Ludwig Rodriguez's Path as a First-Gxeneration Architectural Luminary

Ludwig Rodriguez’s journey into architecture began unexpectedly at ELAC when he enrolled in an architecture course at age 16. Initially hesitant as a first-generation student, Ludwig found guidance and encouragement from ELAC’s faculty and staff, which helped him overcome his apprehensions and sparked his passion for design.

As he progressed, Ludwig benefited from ELAC’s resources, including the LA College Promise program, which offered him free tuition, priority registration, and academic support. Reflecting on his time at ELAC, he recalls moments like the Club Rush event, a celebration of diversity where students shared their cultures through food and traditions—a reminder of ELAC’s commitment to inclusivity.

Now in his fourth year, Ludwig is preparing to transition to Woodbury University, where he aims to expand his architectural expertise through internships and new design opportunities. To fellow Hispanic and Latino students, Ludwig advises embracing challenges and using ELAC’s resources to shape their paths.

Ludwig’s story highlights the transformative impact of mentorship, inclusivity, and education. From his start at ELAC to his aspirations in architecture, Ludwig exemplifies how determination and a supportive community can empower students to achieve their dreams.

Martha Yanez: Transforming Adversity into Advocacy at ELAC

For Martha Yanez, ELAC is a place of transformation and empowerment. From incarceration to academia, her journey reflects ELAC’s supportive, inclusive environment, where students are encouraged to pursue their dreams.

Now in her second year, Martha aims to earn a JD degree and become a civil rights or criminal defense lawyer. Her passion for serving marginalized communities stems from her desire to fight injustice. With support from Homeboy Industries, she enrolled at ELAC immediately after expressing her aspirations, a pivotal moment that strengthened her resolve to succeed.

At ELAC, Martha found more than academic support—she found a community that welcomed her. Her counselor, Jovani Munoz, and the Rising Scholars Program have been instrumental in her growth, providing camaraderie and a sense of belonging. ELAC's dedication to diversity is seen in its commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.

Martha advises other Hispanic and Latino students to embrace every opportunity ELAC offers. As the assistant development officer at the ELAC Foundation, she now helps others pursue their education. Martha’s story is one of resilience and hope, embodying ELAC's spirit of second chances and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

From ELAC to Harvard: The Inspiring Journey of Antonio Tinoco Valencia, Ph.D.

Antonio Tinoco Valencia’s journey from ELAC to Harvard University reflects resilience and the transformative power of education. Beginning his studies at ELAC in 2008 during an economic recession and as an undocumented student, Antonio faced daunting challenges. Yet, ELAC offered affordable tuition and a supportive community, giving him a “second chance” to pursue his dream of a college education.

At ELAC, Antonio discovered his passion for chemistry, inspired by mentors like Dr. Armando Rivera Figueroa and Dr. Veronica Jaramillo, who guided his academic growth. Through programs like the American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter and the MESA program, he gained valuable experience and leadership skills. A research opportunity at the University of Southern California broadened his academic aspirations, ultimately leading him toward a career as a chemist.

After ELAC, Antonio continued his studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and later completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Rochester. Today, as a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard, he explores microbial chemistry in the human gut microbiome. Antonio’s story underscores the impact of education, mentorship, and determination, inspiring Hispanic and Latino students to pursue their dreams.

Diverse Dreams: Marcelo Hayne’s Path from Soccer Field to Financial Advisor

Marcelo Hayne, a sophomore at ELAC and international student from Brazil, embodies determination and multiculturalism. As a standout soccer player with ambitions to become a financial advisor, Marcelo’s journey at ELAC extends well beyond athletics.

Guided by his parents’ belief in education, Marcelo pursued his dreams at ELAC, where he found a supportive community and exceptional resources. He credits ELAC’s professors for not only teaching academic material but also imparting valuable life lessons. ELAC’s diverse student body has enriched his experience, challenging him to broaden his perspectives and interact with peers from various backgrounds.

The tutoring center has been essential in Marcelo’s academic journey, allowing him to connect with like-minded students and deepen his understanding of his studies. ELAC’s inclusivity, particularly its support for Hispanic and Latino students, has created a welcoming environment for Marcelo.

Reflecting on his time at ELAC, Marcelo cherishes conversations in multiple languages with friends, symbolizing the college’s cultural diversity. He encourages prospective students to embrace ELAC’s resources, supportive faculty, and diverse community. Marcelo’s journey illustrates the transformative power of education and the value of inclusivity at ELAC.