Career Development

Are you interested in teaching at a community college? Check out a new mentorship program called The Rancho Academy, designed for students interested in a faculty or administrator career at the community college level. The program is a six-week to ten-week commitment at no cost. Apply by September 1, 2022. Read on to learn more!

By Chava Nerenberg, Graduate Programming Assistant
Thursday, July 28th, 2022 - 1:13pm


Are you interested in teaching at a community college? Check out a new mentorship program called The Rancho Academy, designed for students interested in a faculty or administrator career at the community college level. This program was created by the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) - Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) to advance the opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds to learn the ins and outs of the California Community College system. This program is a six-week to ten-week commitment at no cost.

The goals of the program are to:

  • Develop young leaders who understand the California Community College system
  • Mentor cohort members and build a community
  • Champion graduates of the program with community colleges around California
  • Celebrate when graduates accept future positions on campus

Apply by September 1, 2022 to join the cohort beginning on September 12, 2022.

Benefits of the Program

  • Remote mentorship program
  • Career Development
  • Curriculum Vitae assistance
  • Networking
  • Teaching skills
  • Best practices in methodology and pedagogy
  • Stipend

You'll be paired with an exceptional mentor familiar with the community college experience who can help you navigate the California Community College system, help you develop your CV, and prepare you for interviews. You'll also gain access to the Matrix, a career placement tool, and be part of an exclusive database of Rancho Academy graduates that showcases your accomplishment and credentials to ALL California community colleges.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Authorized to work in the USA
  • A graduate student or recent (MA, MS, Doctorate) graduate (2 years or less)
  • Highly motivated in seeking a career in the California Community College system (faculty or administration) and meets the Minimum Qualifications in academic or vocational subject area as specified by the 2018 Chancellor's Office Minimum Qualifications Handbook (see link below)
  • Less than one year (1) of paid administration, professional teaching, counseling or library services experience
  • Commitment to completing the synchronous and asynchronous 10-week training program and active engagement with the assigned mentor
  • Complete all follow-up sessions as directed by the program

All applicants must submit a completed application; unofficial transcripts; a current resume; and a letter of interest that includes areas of interest, research, TA teaching/counseling or administrative experience, veterans status (if applicable), and descriptions of any community service.

All are welcome to apply, and people of color, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ are highly encouraged to apply.

Click here for more information! View the brochure here.