When it comes to launching a life in a new country, basic language skills can speak volumes.

Lingyi ‘Lynn’ Zhou knew, in order to build a better future for her family, she’d need to start with a sturdy foundation. For the determined immigrant, who made the move from China to the United States in 2014, that meant gaining confidence, expanding her tech skills, and most critically, improving her English.

“I didn’t [have] confidence to get jobs,” Zhou reflects. “Language is a big, big barrier for me.”

IVC’s Office of Student Equity and Black Student Success Scholars took 12 students on a five-day Historically Black Colleges and University Tour recently. The group visited five Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Howard University, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, Delaware State University, and Lincoln University. Through these visits, students gained insight into African American higher education's rich culture and history and a sense of belonging at institutions that reflect their Black lived experience.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) announced today that Dr. Martha McDonald, Vice President for Student Services at Irvine Valley College (IVC), is one of 35 leaders selected for the 2023-24 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. This program, delivered in collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, prepares the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success. 

From March 8th-13th Irvine Valley College’s Speech and Debate Team traveled to the CCCFA State Championship Tournament in Woodland Hills, CA. The grueling tournament was attended by hundreds of students from nineteen community colleges across California. IVC Speech concluded the week victorious by winning the 1st Place Sweepstakes Award in limited entry! IVC Speech accepted their 1st Place award after receiving multiple medals in IPDA (individual) debate, NPDA (team) debate, extemporaneous speaking, and impromptu speaking.