Fresno State and Lemoore College expand opportunities for students to earn bachelor's degrees

LEMOORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students in the South Valley are increasingly able to earn four-year degrees without leaving their communities, thanks to an expanding partnership between Fresno State and Lemoore College.

For Yarely Torres, that opportunity has allowed her to stay close to family while working toward both a bachelor's degree and a teaching credential through Fresno State's Integrated Teacher Education Program, commonly known as ITEP.

"I wasn't sure of joining at first because I heard about how fast paced it is," Torres said. "It was a lot of coursework, but actually, now that I'm in it, I thought the pace and the coursework was just fine."

Torres, who grew up in Lemoore, completed her lower-division coursework at Lemoore College before transitioning into upper-division Fresno State classes offered on the same campus through the partnership between the two institutions.

She said staying in Lemoore has benefited her academically, financially and personally.

"If I wasn't here and I was just at Fresno, I don't know if I would be talking to my family as much," Torres said. "I'd waste a lot more money. I feel like I wouldn't have the support that I have right now."

Shannon Turmon, an education and guidance studies instructor who teaches for both Lemoore College and Fresno State, said local access removes a significant barrier for many students throughout Kings County and neighboring communities.

"What's great about that is most of our students are not just coming from Lemoore; they're coming from Corcoran and Avenal and Kettleman City," Turmon said. "Just making the drive here is a decent drive for them, and not having to go to Fresno State."

College leaders are now working to strengthen the pathway even further.

In November, a new space dedicated to Bulldog Bound will open on campus. The program is designed to help Lemoore College students prepare for a successful transfer to Fresno State.

In addition, a support center called Bulldog Become is expected to launch, providing resources and assistance for students already enrolled in Fresno State bachelor's degree programs offered at Lemoore College.

Administrators say the goal is to make four-year degrees more accessible to students in the South Valley, especially those who may face financial, transportation or family-related challenges that make relocating difficult.

For Torres, the program has helped put her career goals within reach. As she approaches graduation, she is already thinking about the impact she hopes to have in her future classroom.

"My hope is just to be a successful teacher, touch a lot of kids' hearts and make sure that they become successful," she said.

Because of the partnership, officials expect 17 students to graduate this spring with both a bachelor's degree and a teaching credential, allowing them to enter the workforce while remaining connected to the communities they call home.

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