What is the EPIC Learning Community?
The Empowering Positive Initiatives for Change Learning Community (EPIC LC) at San Joaquin Delta College is a dynamic program designed to foster academic success, particularly for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. Launched in Spring 2016, EPIC is a welcoming space for all students interested in exploring personal growth, cultural identity, and civic engagement through the rich lens of the AAPI experience. Whether you identify as Cambodian, Filipino, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese, Samoan American, or any other background, EPIC offers a supportive community to explore these vital themes within higher education.
Epic Learning Community is more than just a program; it’s a launchpad for students seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through specially curated courses and a supportive network, EPIC helps students navigate college life, build lasting connections, and achieve their academic and personal aspirations.
Why Choose EPIC Learning? Unlocking Your Potential
EPIC Learning Community provides a comprehensive support system designed to enhance your college experience. Here are some key benefits of joining EPIC:
- Priority Registration: Secure your spot in the classes you need with priority registration access.
- College Transition Support: Get a head start with orientation programs specifically designed to ease your transition to college life.
- Financial Aid and Planning: Navigate the complexities of financial aid with dedicated workshops and resources.
- Career and Transfer Counseling: Receive personalized guidance on career pathways and seamless transfer options to four-year universities (UC, CSU, UOP).
- Internship and Volunteer Opportunities: Gain valuable real-world experience through curated internships and volunteer placements.
- Textbook Loan Program: Reduce your financial burden with access to a textbook loan program.
- Student Success Kits: Equip yourself with essential tools and resources for academic success.
- Collaborative Study Groups: Learn and grow alongside your peers through organized study groups.
- University Transfer Workshops & Tours: Prepare for your future with workshops focused on UC/CSU/UOP transfer admissions and application processes, complemented by exciting campus tours.
- EPIC Student Club: Become part of a vibrant community and build lasting friendships through the EPIC Student Club.
- Graduation Recognition: Celebrate your achievements with special graduation stoles at commencement.
EPIC Courses: Fall and Spring Offerings
EPIC Learning Community integrates specific courses each semester to provide a cohesive and enriching learning experience.
Fall Semester Courses
- Communication Studies 1A: Public Speaking (3.0 units): Develop essential communication skills for academic and professional success. (DELTA/CSU/UC/UOP)
- English 2A: Reading and Composition (3.0 units): Strengthen your reading comprehension and writing abilities, crucial for all academic disciplines. (DELTA/CSU/UC/UOP)
- Counseling 19: Introduction to College and Educational Planning (1.0 unit): Learn the fundamentals of college success and create a personalized educational plan. (DELTA/CSU/UOP)
- Counseling 20: Transition to University Life (1.0 unit): Prepare for the unique challenges and opportunities of university life. (DELTA/CSU)
- History 34: Asian Pacific American History (3.0 units): Explore the rich and diverse history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. (DELTA/CSU/UC/UOP)
Spring Semester Courses
- English 1B: College Composition and Literature (3.0 units): Refine your composition skills and delve into the world of literature. (DELTA/CSU/UC/UOP)
- Counseling 8: Education and Interpersonal Growth (3.0 units): Focus on personal development and enhance your interpersonal skills for greater success in all areas of life. (DELTA/CSU)
- Political Science 1: American Government (3.0 units): Gain a foundational understanding of the American political system and civic engagement. (DELTA/CSU/UC/UOP)
Are You Eligible for EPIC Learning?
To join the EPIC Learning Community, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Student Status: Be a new student or a current student who hasn’t yet taken EPIC classes.
- Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing with Delta College.
- Orientation: Attend a mandatory EPIC Orientation Session to learn more about the program and connect with the community.
- Commitment: Make a two-semester commitment to fully engage with the EPIC Learning Community experience.
- Counseling & Education Plan: Meet with an EPIC counselor to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP) tailored to your academic goals.
- Participation: Actively participate in scheduled EPIC activities and classes to maximize your program benefits.
EPIC Special Events: Expanding Your Horizons
EPIC Learning Community goes beyond the classroom, offering a variety of special events to enrich your experience and build community:
- Aloha Dinner: Connect with Delta College’s Asian and Pacific Islander American Staff Association (APIASA) members at a welcoming Aloha Dinner.
- Student Leadership & Cultural Activities: Develop your leadership skills and celebrate diverse cultures through engaging activities.
- University Campus Tours: Explore potential transfer destinations with visits to universities like Sacramento State, San Francisco State, UC Davis, University of the Pacific, UCLA, and USC (past tours included).
- Educational Field Trips: Expand your knowledge and experiences with trips to locations like the State Capitol, Yosemite National Park, Angel Island, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) National Conference (past trips included).
- End-of-Year Banquet: Celebrate your achievements and the EPIC community at the annual End-of-the-Year Student Recognition Spring Banquet, sponsored by APIASA.
Image: EPIC Learning Community students on a tour of the State Capitol, meeting with the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (APILC) in March 2017.
Student Success Stories: EPIC Alumni in Action
Hear from EPIC alumni about the transformative impact of the program on their lives and academic journeys:
Robert Teczon, EPIC Cohort 2 Alumnus
“EPIC instilled in me a spirit of community engagement,” shares Robert Teczon, a graduate of EPIC Cohort 2. Robert actively contributed to EPIC cultural events through captivating performances of Filipino folk and indigenous dances. After graduating from Delta College in 2018 with an AA-T Degree in Psychology, he transferred to the University of Hawaii, Manoa, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Ethnic Studies. Robert’s dedication led to his acceptance into the inaugural class of the Ethnic Studies-Psychology combined BA-MA Degree program.
Candy Ve Buma-at, EPIC Cohort 1 Alumna
Candy Ve Buma-at, a member of the inaugural EPIC Cohort 1, played a pivotal role as a founding member and first Vice-President of the EPIC Club. Candy graduated from Delta College in 2017 with an AS-T Degree in Business Administration and transferred to the University of the Pacific. Awarded a full scholarship through the Community Involvement Program, she graduated Cum Laude in December 2019 with both BS and MA Degrees in Accounting. Candy secured a full-time position with a company in Napa, CA, immediately after graduation.
Celebrating 2021 EPIC Graduates:
- Hailey Victorio
- Joshua Navarro
- Ryley Donato
- Jechelle Joy Espiritu
- Aliahya Ket
EPIC Student Scholarship: Investing in Your Future
The EPIC Learning Community is proud to recognize and support outstanding students through scholarships.
2018-19 EPIC Scholars:
Image: 2018-2019 EPIC Scholar, Angela Nguyen Bernal.
Image: 2018-2019 EPIC Scholar, Justin Vang.
2019-2020 EPIC Scholars:
Image: 2019-2020 EPIC Scholar, Jannel De Los Reyes.
Image: 2019-2020 EPIC Scholar, Marijaeh Leandado.
2020-2021 EPIC Scholars:
- Jacob Toloai
- Gerdon Donair
- Rica Macadildig
2021-2022 EPIC Scholars:
- Zhengmin Ruan
- Franzinne Martinez
2022-2023 EPIC Scholars:
- Julinda-Patrice Tacan
- Rhea Ramil
2023-2024 EPIC Scholars:
- Ethan Nuon-Prak
- Arielle Soria
- Sydney Tran
- Fran Domini Martinez
Ready to Embark on Your EPIC Learning Journey?
Unlock your potential and join the EPIC Learning Community at San Joaquin Delta College!
Apply for the EPIC Scholarship and explore other opportunities through the Delta Scholarship Application. The deadline is March 2nd.
For further information about the EPIC Learning Community, please contact the Department Information provided:
Telephone: (209) 954-5151 x6341
Location: SCMA 327, Stockton Campus Map
We look forward to welcoming you to EPIC!
