American River College — Local services in Rancho Cordova

I've been a student here for far too long… trying to finish what I began but with time I start to realize how much black people are overlooked and underserved… misjudged and disregarded. The surge of immigrants that has flooded this school and our communities has been overwhelming. They get all the jobs on campus and resources it's challenging to speak to them let alone understand them. They often discuss students' personal information in their native tongue when they speak amongst themselves as if we know what they're saying. It's become a common thing now. Who cares about American black Americans at that? You don't see us at Starbucks, Cares, EOPS, or financial aid anywhere really on campus except as students waiting in line hoping to be seen or heard.

So many semesters I have tried to do work study and every time I'm denied. Financial aid is a delayed resource are few, and the black community pays for it. It's disappointing because for as long as I have been here I felt unseen and unheard and underappreciated. I am an American Citizen born and raised there's no other place for me to go without having to be met with discrimination and judgment and oppression.!

If only Dr King and Malcom X would of fought to maintain segregation and equality among our people within our people. If the Black Panthers were still a party maybe then I wouldn't feel so out of place. 🤷🏽‍♀️ but they fought to be allowed amongst a people who would never fully accept us enough to allow us to take up space. TO integrate with white people and everyone else was a waste of time. Because we are still last in line for a lot of things we should have equal rights too. ARC used to be a good school but now things have fallen apart.

Black people need a place where we can have what we need specific to our culture and our people. And not just down SOUTH!3There doesn't have to be killing and fighting unless they really wanna take it there but Black students, teachers, and people deserve to be seen, supported, and heard. Not just when it's convenient for them but because we MATTER TOO!

🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎

#escapetheMATRIX #systemoflies #broknpromises #America...

I’m attending American River College because, from day one, it has felt like more than just a school, it has felt like family. In fact, ARC has been more of a family to me than my own. This college has supported me through some of the most difficult times in my life, including a period of homelessness, and never once made me feel like I was alone or less than. When I was facing housing insecurity, ARC didn’t turn away or treat me like a problem. Instead, they stepped in with real support, connecting me to resources, offering flexibility with my academics, and most importantly, treating me with dignity. They saw my potential before I fully saw it in myself. That kind of care is rare, and it’s something I’ll never forget. What sets ARC apart isn’t just the academic programs or the campus, it’s the people. The professors, counselors, staff, and fellow students have created a space where community means everything. They truly put the community in community college. Whether it was helping me access food, mental health support, or just having someone to talk to, ARC showed up for me in ways I didn’t know a college could. As a student pursuing Social Justice, it means everything to be part of a college that lives out those values every day. ARC doesn’t just talk about equity and inclusion, they practice it. They make sure students like me, students who come from challenging backgrounds, have the opportunity to not just survive, but thrive. At a time in my life when things felt unstable and uncertain, ARC was my anchor. They gave me stability, support, and a sense of purpose. They believed in my future when I was still trying to find it myself. And through that, they gave me hope. I’m proud to be a student at American River College because this place has changed my life. It’s more than a stepping stone, it’s where I found my strength, my voice, and my community. This isn’t just where I go to school. It’s where...

The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) at American River College (ARC) holds the promise of aiding those who have served our nation, but sadly, it gravely falls short. When our veterans, who have sacrificed so much, require assistance and guidance, they deserve nothing but the utmost respect and effective support. Unfortunately, ARC's VRC seems to miss this basic understanding.

Lackadaisical Support: It's challenging enough to transition from military to civilian life and then back to the classroom. ARC's VRC should be a haven of understanding and aid; instead, it presents a facade of indifference. The lack of enthusiasm, proactivity, and general attentiveness is profoundly disappointing.

The Endless Chase for Information: Contacting the VRC is akin to embarking on a wild goose chase. One would expect prompt and direct communication, given the importance of the issues at hand. However, interactions often end in vagueness, with more questions arising than answers received.

Navigational Nightmare: Navigating the bureaucratic labyrinth that is the VRC proves a Herculean task. Whether you're in search of program specifics, benefit details, or general academic guidance, prepare for a confusing and frustrating journey.

For our veterans, every academic institution should strive to provide the finest in support services. Alas, at ARC, one would be better off seeking counsel elsewhere. To all veterans pondering their academic journey at American River College: tread cautiously. With countless other institutions valuing your service and commitment, it might be worthwhile to explore options where your benefits and well-being are...