Bakersfield College’s Delano campus expands with the groundbreaking of a learning center.

The learning center will include classrooms, office space, a library and designated spaces for student services.

Assemblymember Rudy Sala helped secure $14 million for the learning center in the 2021-2022 state budget. In total, Salas has secured approximately $22 million for projects, educational expansion, and workforce development at Bakersfield College, according to a news release.

“I am thrilled for the ground breaking of the new Learning Center at Bakersfield College, Delano campus,” said Salas. “This innovative center will have long lasting impacts on our community serving generations of students and future leaders to come. Investing in our community makes the Valley and California stronger.”

In 2013, Dr. Sonya Christian, then-president at Bakersfield College, launched the Rural Initiatives program, which aims to provide access to quality education for Kern County’s socially, ethnically and geographically diverse students. Since then, BC’s Rural Initiatives has increased access to courses and expanded student support services in Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Shafter, Arvin, Lamont, Lost Hills, and South Bakersfield.

“BC’s Rural Initiatives team has worked hard to empower rural students by providing access to high-quality education, encouraging, supporting, and preparing these vital students to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” said Chancellor Christian. “I am thankful for the continued advocacy of Assemblyman Rudy Salas, who always puts the Central Valley, our students, and our communities first. Salas continues to be a champion of education in these communities. His strong commitment and advocacy for the Central Valley has ensured that resources are effectively allocated to the communities in rural Kern County.”

While the majority of Bakersfield College students are from the city of Bakersfield, the second highest contributor of
students is Delano.