What is Estrellas?
The Estrellas Program is a two-semester learning community at Cabrillo College designed to support both first-time and returning students as they begin or continue their college journey.
Guided by the Nahui Ollin framework and grounded in Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth model, Estrellas recognizes and builds upon the diverse strengths students already bring with them.
Estrellas inspires growth by helping students develop essential academic and life skills, encourages reflection by building meaningful connections with peers and instructors, promotes balance through ongoing, personalized support, and drives transformation as students move confidently toward their goals.
Whether you’re planning to transfer to a four-year university, earn an associate degree, complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, or are still exploring your path, Estrellas is here to support you.
Estrellas Includes:
Guaranteed enrollment in key courses for Fall & Spring semester (Please review courses below).
One-week orientation before Fall to prepare students for success.
Embedded English tutors who support students in class and at the tutoring center (the HUB), plus workshops to boost success.
Support with registration and counseling appointments.
Student workshops and pláticas throughout the semester to build community and strengthen connections.
Ongoing support from Learning Communities staff and peer mentors to keep students on track.
New partnership with UCSC’s STARRS program, connecting students with transfer and re-entry resources.
Estrellas Program courses
All Estrellas students are required to enroll in the following courses, which are reserved for students of the program. Estrellas staff will work closely with each student—and in collaboration with the First Year Experience (FYE) program, to help plan any additional courses needed to support their academic goals.
Fall 2025 - 7.50 units
DMCP- 401- ESTR : Kick off your college journey with a one-week orientation from August 11–14, designed to build community, introduce campus resources, and prepare you for academic success.
English C1000-ESTR1 & English 101A-ESTR1: Explore The Golden State: Perspectives on Culture, Place, and Climate through reading, writing, and critical discussion. These linked courses examine California's diverse identities and landscapes while building foundational college-level English skills.
CG-51-ESTR: Gain the tools and strategies to thrive in college and beyond. This course covers academic success skills, educational planning, and how to effectively navigate college resources, expectations, and opportunities.
Spring 2026 -3 units
ENGL-C1001-ESTR1: Approaching Conflicts in Self and Society: A Study of the Ways We Can Work Together
This course explores how individuals and communities navigate conflict and build understanding. Through reading, writing, and thoughtful dialogue, students will examine themes of identity, collaboration, and social responsibility,developing the critical thinking and communication skills needed to engage with today’s complex world.
Intersted in joining Estrellas?
Eligibility Requirements:
Commit to enrolling in Estrellas Program courses for both the Fall and Spring semesters.
Express interest in taking English C1000 and English C1001 as part of the program. If you’ve previously taken either course but did not pass, Estrellas offers the added support and community to help you succeed this time around.
Complete the Learning Communities application