In the “College Dropout” series we examined why the dropout rate stands at 47%, and how becoming educated is related to becoming an adult. But what if you’re already an “adult” when you go to college? In this episode we answer the question: are you behind in life if you go back to school in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond? How can we can think about going back to school when you’re older in a way that’s not so discouraging?  I’ll be presenting a series of interrelated interviews with some Adult Learners I met at the City College of San Francisco, along with an interview I conducted with the chancellor of C.C.S.F., Mark Rocha.  Chancellor Rocha was an Adult Learner himself; a lifelong english teacher, he went back to school at 55 to get an engineering degree. Chancellor Rocha has some wise words (or not) for one of our Adult Learners, Max, who’s feeling a little “behind the 8-ball” being on a campus with so many angsty young adults. 

KCSF News

Adult Learner

One out of every two students who attend Community College drop out. Only 1 in 5 will get their degree in four years. Why? I’m Nikolas Harter, and in this three part series produced out of the KCSF studios at the City College of San Francisco, I interview students and administrators, and break down statistics to come to some surprising conclusions about our flawed system of higher education. If you don’t know what career you want to pursue, is going straight to college after high school really the best option? How is acquiring an education connected to success, happiness, and becoming an adult? These days, is our system of higher education even capable of raising the financial well-being of its students, or does it perpetuate society’s inequities?   In Part 1, I approach this question of why 47% of students drop out of school by breaking down the data. Did you know “work responsibilities” is the number one reason students report for dropping out of school? It’s ironic, because “financial struggle” is the number one reason students go to college in the first place! We’ll meet a couple CCSF community members, and put some faces to the data.  Music by Sam Vanderlist and Cory Foss

College Dropout Part 1

In Part 2, I explore the personal reasons for why a student might drop out with “F-Everything” Paul Lopez. Paul dropped out of school when he was 18. Back then, he didn’t know what he wanted to do, so he left school and moved up to the bay with his sister to get a full time job. Now he’s back, returning to school at C.C.S.F. at 22 years old. I told him about the high drop out rate at Community Colleges, and he told me he feels like a number.  We’ll also meet the students from S.M.A.C. (students making a change), a student group on campus advocating for the rights of the school’s minority populations (and everyone else’s too). 80% of C.C. students in California are placed into remedial classes, and S.M.A.C. is not happy about it. It’s not just personal, or existential reasons for why so many students are dropping out. The system itself discourages students by preventing them from taking college level courses until they repeat High School Math and English. No wonder it takes most students (four out of five) more than four years to graduate.  Thankfully, the C.C.S.F. administration has been made aware of the problem (thank you S.M.A.C.), and is implementing new systems, such as Guided Pathways, to channel students through college in a more efficient manner.  Music by Sam Vanderlist

College Dropout Part 2

In Part 3, I’ll share about my personal college experience, and square off with current C.C.S.F. student Brandon Powell. Is attending college about pursuing your dreams? Or making ends meet? Brandon shares some cockroach stories, and we debate what school and life is all about.  Why should we value public schools? What’s the purpose of education, and how is becoming educated connected to success, happiness, and becoming an adult? All this and more on the final segment of College Dropout. I’m Nikolas Harter for KCSF.  Music by Sam Vanderlist 

College Dropout Part 3

On this episode of KCSF News, S.M.A.C. (Students Making A Change) speaks with CCSF’s branch of the B.S.U. (Black Student Union) to talk about what community organizing means to them. They’ll share personal stories of how they became student activists and organizers, and drop some lines for those of you who’d like to get involved.

S.M.A.C. Meets the B.S.U.

On this episode we’ll be talking with Lisa Martin, a reporter from The Guardsman about vandalism that’s been occurring on campus outside of all-gender restrooms. All-gender restrooms are designated for people of all genders, and are meant to create a more inclusive and safe space for transgender, queer, and non-gender conforming people.  The vandalism that’s been occurring at these restrooms could be considered a hate crime, but we have yet to receive an official response from the administration.  Music by YUNG $AM V, find him on Soundcloud. 

Vandalism at New All-Gender Restrooms

On this episode of KCSF News we sit down with Claudia Drdul, a reporter from the city college's newspaper, The Guardsman. Claudia just finished up a story about staff cuts that are happening ahead of the vote to continue free city this November. It’s a big story which touches on a lot of topics, including a recap of the accreditation crises, and an insight into the tug of war happening right now between CCSF administration and the teacher’s union over “the privatization of public education.” You can check out the original article @ theguardsman.com/

City College Makes Cuts Ahead of Free City Vote

Did you know one of the most famous works of art by one of the most prolific 20th century artists lives here on the Ocean Campus of the City College of San Francisco? On this episode, we get a special tour of The Pan American Unity Mural with docent Vickie Simms. Vickie, who says she's "older than 50," has given up her lifelong business career to go back to school and study Art History. We'll hear about what motivates her, and glean lessons from our shared American past, as Vickie takes us through this legendary work of art. Join us for KCSF's first feature story! And check out the mural for yourself at www.riveramural.org

City College's Secret Treasure

S.M.A.C. (studentsmakingchange.org) is a student-led advocacy group which defends the rights of students of color (and all students) on the City College of San Francisco campus. On this episode of KCSF News they'll be telling us about AB705. AB705 is a new law intended to help marginalized students graduate at higher rates. S.M.A.C. isn’t happy with how this law is being implemented. In fact, they claim it’s virtually not being implemented. We’re going to hear some stories of how this has affected specific students, and talk about S.M.A.C.'s struggle with city college administration.

S.M.A.C. Talks AB705

A conversation with the top prosecutor for the city and county of San Francisco, Mr. Gascón, about sexual assault on college campuses. "The Red Zone" refers to the first few months of the school year when sexual assault rates on college campuses are at their highest. We'll talk about how his office is making reporting sexual assault crimes easier, and what due process rights should be afforded to students accused of sexual assault.

"The Red Zone," an Interview with District Attorney Gascón

Journalism shapes our society, and causes personal transformation—just one of many reasons why Journalism Matters, Now More than Ever. A special edition of KCSF News with Juan Gonzales and Jonathan Freedman, moderated by Victor Tence. Juan Gonzales is the head of the Journalism department at CCSF, and founder of the local El Tecolote newspaper. Jonathan Freedman won the pulitzer prize in 1987 for his editorials at The Tribune of San Diego which called for major immigration reform. He’s also the author of several nonfiction books, and one novel. They will critique media in the age of Trump, tell personal stories from their lives as journalists, and discuss the resurgence of local publications in a time when funding for print newspapers has nearly evaporated. Jonathan Freedman is hosting a free writing lab in Room 205 of the Rosenberg building on Ocean Campus. It's called "Engaging with Writing Workshop," and drop-ins are welcome. That's every Friday 11am - noon.

A Discussion on Why Journalism Matters, Now More than Ever

Ever wondered why it takes so long to have your FAFSA application processed? Being called in to wait in long lines to verify tax and personal information can make what's supposed to be a simple task of filling out online forms into a frustrating and time-consuming process. In our feature story today, Nikolas Harter heads to the Financial Aid Office in Cloud Hall to voice those frustrations, and get some answers.

Wait Times for FAFSA Applications

Available as a Podcast wherever you listen to Podcasts. KCSF News is a source for information, events, and pertinent stories serving the City College of San Francisco Community. Contact us at kcsfatccsf@gmail.com if you'd like to contribute, get involved with the radio station, or pitch a story. Go Rams!

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