Learning Communities Center
Learning Communities: Support, Connection, Success
Learning Communities: How do I find community and support at Cabrillo?
Featuring: Estrellas, Estrellas CSUMB, First Year Experience, Umoja, Puente, Honors
Cabrillo College Learning Communities are cohort-based programs offering exciting experiences and vital holistic support to help you achieve your academic goals. While each program is unique, standard features include instructional and student support services, critical courses that meet program requirements, and referrals to campus resources to help you be successful—no need to go it alone. Find a community that works for you!
Why Join a Learning Community?
Boost Your Academic Success: Students in learning communities are more likely to succeed in their courses.
Smaller Class Sizes = Stronger Connections: Engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and build lasting relationships with peers and faculty.
Achieve Your Goals: Get support as you work toward your career and transfer plans.
Personalized Support: Enjoy one-on-one meetings with dedicated faculty, LC staff, and peer mentors.
Get Involved: You're more likely to join clubs, events, and campus life.
Tap Into Campus Resources: We’ll connect you with everything Cabrillo has to offer.
Learn Beyond the Classroom: Gain access to workshops offered by all Learning Communities, as well as other campus events.
LCC Office Locations & Hours
Aptos Campus: Building 500, Room 501
Watsonville Center: Main Office
Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Aptos Campus)
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Watsonville Campus)
The CSUMB Etrellas Cohort has been a near life-changing experience. Before entering the cohort, transferring to CSUMB was still a possibility for me, as I had considered other colleges to which I could transfer. Now I am more than ever sure of transferring to CSUMB. CSUMB English C-1000 has been enjoyable, and I'm always looking forward to class. Although the class has its challenges, ENGL-101A-CSUMB is an hour of class where the professor and student assistant can work with you one-on-one. This has been more than helpful as I am a Work-Study student, and I don't have to worry about unfinished in-class assignments outside of class. And finally, I've met more people and formed new friendships that I hope to continue throughout my college experience. I love this cohort and the people who make it possible for all students.Estrellas CSUMB 25-26 Cohort
The Cabrillo Bridge Program will be paused for the upcoming academic year 26-27. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we review and strengthen the program’s structure.
High school seniors have an incredible opportunity to jumpstart their college journey by joining the Bridge Program during their senior year. This program not only connects you to supportive learning communities but also paves a clear path for a smooth transition into college life. You’ll build essential skills, gain confidence, and receive the guidance and tools you need to thrive every step of the way. Your success starts here—let’s make it happen together!
Adilene Carrasco
Pronouns: she/her
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and my bunnies, watching movies/shows, and taking naps.
Why I joined: I was part of one of the programs they offer, called Estrellas, in the learning community. They made the transition from high school to college easily. I like how they were welcoming to the learning community and had snacks for the students and places to study or hang out. When they offered me a job in the learning community, I was happy. Now I work with the Bridge program as a peer mentor, helping students find tutors, stay on track in their classes, and address anything they may need help with.
Felisa Chavez
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Economics
Hobbies: Hiking, Weightlifting
Why I Joined: I’m passionate about supporting students the same way other mentors have supported me. I know what it feels like to juggle school, work, and life while still trying to figure yourself out, so I have a lot of understanding that I can relate to mentoring. I value creating a space where people feel heard, comfortable, and not judged, whether you need help with classes, navigating college, or just someone to talk to. I’m still growing and learning, too, and I love being part of a community where we can figure things out together.
Xitlali Hidalgo-Santoyo
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Psychology with a minor in Law
Hobbies: Favorite Reading: "Atomic Habits."
Why I joined: I am excited to share that I began my journey as a peer mentor this year in the Learning Communities Center. My goal is to contribute to our community by assisting students in their educational paths. I plan to transfer to California State University, Monterey Bay.
I am familiar with the resources available at Cabrillo College, where I started my journey in the cohort program as a Bridge student. In my second year, I was honored to be hired as a peer mentor for the Estrellas program! I graduated from Watsonville High School and, as a second-year student, am now actively involved with Transfer Services.