East Los Angeles College Foundation

Affordable Campus Living Comes to ELAC Students with Launch of LA Next College Housing Partnership!

Monterey Park, CA. – May 26, 2026, East Los Angeles College (ELAC), California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) came together at an official signing ceremony to launch the LA Next College Housing Partnership. This is the first of its kind housing partnership between a California State University campus and an LA Community College and it will give ELAC students access to affordable, apartment-style housing on a university campus.

The official MOU signing took place May 26, 2026, at the Cal State LA South Village Multipurpose Room. Patrick Day (Cal State LA VP of Student Affairs) opened the ceremony and provided context on the LA Next vision. President Berenecea Johnson Eanes (Cal State LA) delivered opening remarks, followed by remarks from LACCD Board President Sara Hernandez, Chancellor Alberto J. Román, and President Monte E. Perez. Claudio Lindow (Cal State LA CFO) acknowledged the partnership architecture before all principals signed. Dr. Leigh Sata (LACCD Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive) delivered closing remarks.

Beginning in August 2026, eligible ELAC students will be able to live on the Cal State LA campus in the University Apartments Phase II Building. 56 beds are available with more coming over the next four years.

Housing instability is one of the biggest obstacles standing between students and their degrees. This partnership takes that obstacle head-on. ELAC students who live on the Cal State LA campus will have a stable, supported place to live while they pursue their education and get a real preview of university life before they transfer.

Housing is all-inclusive starting at no higher than $1,647/month per bed covering a furnished unit, utilities (electricity, water, trash, internet), and a Cal State LA Block 50 Meal Plan. No hidden fees. Financial aid may apply.

"At ELAC, our students are everything. We know that for many of them, finding safe and affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges they face. This partnership with Cal State LA and LACCD is a powerful statement that we refuse to let housing stand in the way of our students' success,” said ELAC President Monte E. Perez. “By giving ELAC students the opportunity to live on a university campus, we are not just providing a roof over their heads we are giving them a front-row seat to their own future.”
To be eligible for housing students must be enrolled at ELAC with a 2.0+ GPA, be at least 18 years old by the first day of the semester, have a current MMR vaccination and TB clearance, an up-to-date Student Education Plan, and no holds on their record. Transfer to Cal State LA is not required.

Housing is limited and assigned first-come and first-served and the application for housing will be live on June 4th. For more information on student housing contact the ELAC Basic Needs Center at [email protected], 323-267-3730 or on campus in F5-300.

About East Los Angeles College: Established in 1945, East Los Angeles College is one of the largest community colleges in California, serving more than 40,000 students annually. As part of the Los Angeles Community College District, ELAC is committed to providing affordable, accessible, high-quality education and supporting student success through innovative programs and community partnerships. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Media Contact:
Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Director, ELAC Foundation
(323) 260-8198 | [email protected]

Hire a Husky 2026 Job & Internship Fair Empowers Students Through Career Opportunities and Professional Attire

On May 14, 2026, East Los Angeles College (ELAC) welcomed students, employers, faculty, and community partners to the “Hire a Husky Job & Internship Fair 2026,” held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the E3 Quad. The event created an energetic and inspiring atmosphere where students were able to take important steps toward their future careers by building professional connections, exploring internship opportunities, and gaining confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.

The fair brought together approximately 140 students and 43 employers representing a variety of industries, including child development, engineering, healthcare, business, and law enforcement. Employers connected directly with students to discuss available internships, part-time and full-time employment opportunities, and career pathways within their organizations. Throughout the day, students engaged in meaningful conversations with recruiters, asked questions about professional growth, and learned what employers are seeking in today’s workforce.

In preparation for the event, nearly 200 students pre-registered through the event RSVP system and participated in a series of career readiness workshops offered throughout the Spring semester. A total of six workshops were hosted in both in-person and live-streamed Zoom formats, ensuring students had accessible opportunities to prepare for the fair. The workshops focused on resume building, interview preparation, job fair readiness, career exploration, and career planning, helping students feel more prepared and confident before meeting with employers.

The Hire a Husky Job & Internship Fair was heavily promoted beginning in early Spring through campus flyers, social media, and schoolwide email campaigns, generating excitement and encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity. Students arrived professionally dressed with resumes in hand, practicing elevator pitches and stepping outside of their comfort zones to network with potential employers. The E3 Quad was filled with excitement, determination, and optimism as students moved from table to table making valuable connections that could shape their future careers.

A highlight of the event was the support provided by the ELAC Foundation through its Pawfessional Attire Program, which tailored and provided free professional suits and attire to 22 students attending the fair in partnership with suit vendor Jean Adalian. The program plays an

important role in helping students feel confident, prepared, and empowered as they attend interviews, internships, career fairs, networking events, and other professional opportunities.

Through the Pawfessional Program, students are provided with free professional attire, including suits, dress shirts, blouses, shoes, ties, and accessories, allowing them to present themselves professionally without the added financial burden. Beyond providing clothing, the program helps students build self-confidence and a sense of belonging in professional environments that may otherwise feel intimidating or inaccessible. The initiative reinforces the message that every student deserves the opportunity to feel prepared and capable as they work toward their educational and career goals.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Career & Job Services, the ELAC Foundation, and ELAC College Corps, whose support helped provide student resources, event assistance, and refreshments for attendees. The ELAC Foundation also promoted same-day suit fittings during the event to encourage students to utilize the Pawfessional Program and continue preparing for future professional opportunities.

The Hire a Husky Job & Internship Fair 2026 reflected East Los Angeles College’s ongoing commitment to student success, career readiness, and community partnership. By combining career opportunities with supportive resources like the Pawfessional Program, the event created an environment where students were encouraged not only to pursue professional opportunities, but also to believe in their potential and future success.

Through events like Hire a Husky, ELAC continues to empower students with the tools, experiences, and support systems necessary to succeed both academically and professionally while strengthening meaningful partnerships with employers and the surrounding community.

About East Los Angeles College East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is the largest of nine two-year community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), www.laccd.edu. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/. Follow ELAC on social media, Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook .

About East Los Angeles College Foundation The East Los Angeles College Foundation (ELACF) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. ELACF is dedicated to the philanthropic support of the East Los Angeles College Community and empowering the communities we serve through our commitment to student success. Through our enduring efforts, the Foundation is Transforming Lives by investing in the next generation of leaders. To learn more about supporting ELAC students, please visit www.elacfoundation.com/make-a-donation.

A Legacy Built on Access:
ELAC's Michael Hamner Named California AIA Educator of the Year!

East Los Angeles College is proud to celebrate one of its own. Professor Michael Hamner, FAIA, former chair of the ELAC Architecture Program, has been named the recipient of the 2026 AIA California Educator Award, one of the profession's most prestigious honors recognizing excellence in architectural education. The recognition reflects not only Professor Hamner's extraordinary career, but also the caliber of teaching and learning that defines ELAC.

Michael Hamner first walked through ELAC's doors in 1992 as an adjunct professor. Over the next three decades, he helped build one of the most respected community college architecture programs in the country. He became a full-time professor in 2005, served as department chair from 2006 until his retirement in 2021, and continues to teach and mentor students today.

The ELAC Architecture Program has become known nationwide for something the profession has long needed more of, diversity. By offering underserved and underrepresented students a credible, rigorous, and supportive route into architecture, Hamner helped reshape what the next generation of architects looks like. ELAC graduates have gone on to be highly sought after by major architecture programs and firms both locally and across the country.

Words from the AIA California awards jury say it best:
"Michael Hamner's legacy is highlighted by his commitment to educating young professionals from underserved communities, and delivering to them really good, really solid, thoughtful architecture classes. What's also impressive is what he's done with a community college system for the betterment of not only the students, but the profession itself."
Professor Hamner's influence extends well beyond the classroom. In 2021, he was recognized as an AIA Los Angeles Presidential Honoree for Educator of the Year, an award that highlighted his impact as both a teacher and a leader in the field. More recently, he was named a 2026 USC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient alongside his wife/partner, recognized by the USC School of Architecture for their decades of design leadership and service.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Hamner earned his Bachelor of Architecture from USC and has logged more than 42 years of professional practice spanning institutional, governmental, commercial, and residential projects. In 1989, he founded D. Michael Hamner, FAIA, Architects, and later became principal of a second firm, Builder | Architects, a design-build practice he runs alongside his architect wife. He also holds licenses in California, Hawaii, and Louisiana, and is NCARB certified.

Awards of this magnitude are a reflection of the entire ELAC community. They remind us that students here are learning from faculty who are recognized at the highest levels of their professions and that an ELAC education carries real weight far beyond the classroom.

For more than 30 years, Professor Hamner has shown that where a student starts does not determine where they can finish. His life's work is rooted in the belief that great architecture and great architects can come from anywhere.

ELAC Student Noor Raad Named 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar!

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is proud to announce that student Noor Raad has been named a 2026 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, one of only 60 community college students nationwide to receive this prestigious honor. Noor becomes the 13th Jack Kent Cooke Scholar in ELAC history, continuing the college's remarkable legacy of producing top-tier scholarship recipients.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selected this year's scholars from a competitive pool of more than 1,300 applicants across the country, narrowing the field to 485 semifinalists before naming the final 60 recipients. Scholars were evaluated on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.

These qualities Noor has demonstrated throughout her time at ELAC.

"We are incredibly proud of Noor and this outstanding achievement," said ELAC President Monte E. Perez. "This recognition is a testament to Noor's dedication, resilience, and hard work. ELAC is honored to have played a role in her journey, and we can't wait to see everything she accomplishes next."
The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year in funding, covering costs after all institutional aid, to help scholars complete their bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions with significantly reduced financial burden. Beyond financial support, Noor will also receive personalized advising and access to a nationwide network of more than 3,900 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and graduate school support.

Noor's selection follows that of fellow ELAC student Prisma Santiago, who was named a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar in 2025, reflecting the college's continued commitment to empowering high-achieving students with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Noor Raad is in her second year serving as the ELAC Associated Student Union Vice President of Advocacy. An Honors Program student and California for All College Corps participant, she works with the ELAC Foundation on basic-needs initiatives and volunteers at a downtown Los Angeles food drive in her spare time. She also serves as a legal research intern at a law firm, where she presents accessible legal information to underserved communities on topics including family law, civil rights, and tenants' rights.

About East Los Angeles College: Established in 1945, East Los Angeles College is one of the largest community colleges in California, serving more than 40,000 students annually. As part of the Los Angeles Community College District, ELAC is committed to providing affordable, accessible, high-quality education and supporting student success through innovative programs and community partnerships. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/.

👔✨ Dress for Success at ELAC!

Need professional attire for interviews, internships, networking events, or your next big opportunity? The ELAC Foundation’s Professional Attire Initiative is here to help!

📍 E3 Quad
🗓 May 14, 2026
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM

Students selected will receive:
▪️ 2-piece charcoal grey suit
▪️ White button-down shirt
▪️ Tie

Thank you to Gianni Inc. and the ELAC Foundation for helping our students step confidently into their future 💼🐾

✨ Join us for the ELAC Foundation Spring 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony ✨

An evening dedicated to celebrating the hard work, resilience, and achievements of our incredible East Los Angeles College students

📍 Courtyard by Marriott Monterey Park
🗓 Friday, May 29, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Scholarship recipients will be honored alongside the supporters, mentors, and community members who continue investing in student success. Together, we celebrate education, opportunity, and the future of our students 🌟

🎟 Complimentary dinner tickets provided for scholarship recipients + one guest

🔗 Tickets & sponsorships available through the link/QR code on the flyer

From ELAC to the NFL: Max Iheanachor's Remarkable Rise

East Los Angeles College Athletics has produced many success stories, but few are as remarkable as Max Iheanachor, a former ELAC Huskies offensive lineman now on the verge of hearing his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What makes Iheanachor's journey truly extraordinary is where it began. The 6'6", 321-pound tackle never played a single down of high school football, instead starring on the basketball court at King/Drew High School. It was then ELAC football coach and current Athletic Director Bobby Godinez who saw untapped potential in the athletic big man and convinced him to give football a shot. The bet paid off in a major way.

After developing his game at ELAC, Iheanachor transferred to Arizona State, where he blossomed into one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in this year's draft class. His basketball background has proven to be a genuine asset with scouts and evaluators frequently crediting his lateral agility, footwork, and ability to mirror defensive linemen to his years on the hardwood. He turned heads at the NFL Combine by posting one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among all offensive linemen, further cementing his status as a traits-heavy, high-upside prospect.

NFL analysts describe Iheanachor as an ascending tackle with good length, excellent lean mass, and play strength that should translate to any run scheme. Strong performances against Texas Tech's defensive line last season and an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl have signaled he may be more NFL-ready than initially projected. Draft projections have Iheanachor going anywhere from the late first round to the middle of the second. A Pro Football Focus mock draft projected him as the No. 28 overall pick to the Houston Texans following his standout Senior Bowl performance.

From basketball courts in South LA to the ELAC gridiron to one of the biggest stages in sports, Max Iheanachor's story is a testament to the power of opportunity and to the coaches at East Los Angeles College who helped make it possible.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
News Media Contact:
Kevin Jimenez, College Public Relations Manager
(323) 265-8807 | [email protected]


East Los Angeles College Launches Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center to Expand Access, Ownership, and Economic Opportunity

Monterey Park, CA. – East Los Angeles College (ELAC) proudly announces the Grand Launch of the Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, a first-of-its-kind, community-rooted innovation ecosystem designed to expand access to entrepreneurship, accelerate venture development, and strengthen economic mobility across the Los Angeles region.

While anchored at East Los Angeles College, the Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center is intentionally designed as a regional hub serving entrepreneurs, small business owners, industry partners, investors, and community stakeholders not limited to campus-based programs.

The Center is designed to serve a broad ecosystem of participants including aspiring and established entrepreneurs, small business owners, industry partners, investors, and community stakeholders who are seeking to build, support, or invest in new ventures. The Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center core goals are to expand access to entrepreneurship, accelerate venture creation and growth, connect individuals and organizations to mentorship, capital, and market opportunities, and strengthen regional economic mobility through inclusive innovation.

Built on an open innovation model, the Center is a first-of-its-kind ecosystem anchored at a Southern California community college and extending beyond traditional campus-based programs. This approach expands access to expertise, tools, and partnerships beyond what a single institution can provide and equips participants with practical, workforce-aligned skills to navigate and succeed in today’s evolving economy.

The Center supports entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, and partners at every stage from idea exploration to launch, growth, and scale while also creating opportunities for investors and organizations to engage, collaborate, and contribute to venture development.

“This Center is a platform for opportunity, innovation, and community impact,” said Dr. Monte Perez, President of East Los Angeles College. “By connecting individuals, entrepreneurs, and local businesses to practical programs, mentorship, and a strong ecosystem of partners, we are creating clear pathways for ideas to grow into ventures that strengthen our communities.”

“At some point, access has to stop being a conversation and start becoming infrastructure,” said Dr. Reyna Trujillo, Executive Director of the Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center. “Whether you’re building from the ground up, growing an existing business, or investing in what’s next, this Center exists to create real pathways, so ideas don’t stall, they scale, and people don’t just participate in the economy, they own their place in it.”

Through year-round programming including entrepreneurship workshops, industry mentorship, incubation, and ecosystem partnerships the center creates a clear pipeline from exploration to launch, growth, and scale. This coordinated model not only supports entrepreneurs at every stage but also opens pathways for strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and cross-sector collaboration.

This work is driven by a collaborative leadership model and made possible through the dedication of the Center team, including Dr. Tina Dominguez, Katya Chavez, and Thomas Torrez, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Center’s vision and operations. The Center’s development is further strengthened through its strategic partnership with Workforce Innovation Labs (WIL), whose expertise in ecosystem design and workforce alignment enhances the Centers ability to connect talent, opportunity, and regional economic growth. The Center is intentionally community-rooted and equity-driven, designed to expand who gets to participate in entrepreneurship. By engaging individuals and organizations across the region, the Center fosters inclusive pathways for local founders to access opportunity, build ventures, and contribute to long-term economic growth.

Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic mobility, job creation, and community wealth-building. By expanding who has access to entrepreneurship and who participates in shaping it the Center is positioning the region for long-term, inclusive economic growth where individuals, businesses, and partners collectively contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy.

The Grand Launch brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, industry partners, funders, and regional stakeholders to celebrate a shared vision: a more accessible, practical, and community-centered approach to entrepreneurship and innovation.

About the Center: The Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center is a community-rooted, open innovation ecosystem designed to expand access to entrepreneurship, venture development, and economic opportunity. Through hands-on training, mentorship, incubation, and strategic partnerships, the Center supports individuals from early-stage ideas through launch and growth while also engaging industry partners, investors, and organizations in building a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About East Los Angeles College: Established in 1945, East Los Angeles College is one of the largest community colleges in California, serving more than 40,000 students annually. As part of the Los Angeles Community College District, ELAC is committed to providing affordable, accessible, high-quality education and supporting student success through innovative programs and community partnerships. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/.

From Left to Right: ELAC Foundation Director Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, CA State Assembly Member Mike Fong, ESREIC Director Dr. Reyna Trujillo, ELAC President Dr. Monte E. Perez, LACCD Chancellor Dr. Alberto Roman, CA State Senator Susan Rubio, ELAC Foundation Board President Marissa Castro-Salvati

The opening of the ELAC Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center was a true success! 🎉

This milestone reflects ELAC Foundation’s continued commitment to empowering students through innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. The Center will serve as a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop ideas, build skills, and turn vision into reality.

Thank you to our partners, supporters, and campus community for making this moment possible. 💚

Hey Huskies! 🐺💚

Want a chance to win a FREE laptop?

All you have to do is scan the QR code and RSVP!

Join us at the ELAC Susan Rubio Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center and enter the raffle—don’t miss out on this opportunity 🎉

Come through, bring a friend, and secure your chance to win!