Pacific Oaks College

08/27/2025

Our community gathered on our patio courtyard—to honor the life, legacy, and impact of Leanne Wruck, Ph.D. Her time with us as Interim President as well as in her role as Chief Academic Officer at The Community Solution Education System left a deep and lasting impact on both our College and the Children’s School.

We planted a lemon tree, one of Dr. Wruck's favorite California-grown fruits, alongside a commemorative plaque. All who worked with her benefitted from her profound dedication to transformative education, student success, and inclusive leadership.

As students, faculty, staff, and visitors arrive on campus, the tree will be there to welcome them. May it be a symbol of all she helped nurture and grow here at Pacific Oaks. Her legacy will forever be rooted in the spirit of our College and Children's School.

08/21/2025

Some moments deserve to be relived. Watch our Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony — a celebration of milestones, memories, and new beginnings. https://ow.ly/fj1050WJKs7

08/19/2025

As millions of children head back to school, children, parents, and teachers are hoping for a smooth and successful start to the school year. For young learners, especially those starting kindergarten, the adjustment to a full day in the classroom and changes to their daily routine can bring a host of new feelings and experiences. Our very own, Yolanda Carlos, M.Ed., early childhood education core faculty, shares some emotional regulation strategies with Education Week. Download & share: https://ow.ly/8Fa250WIwf7

08/18/2025

Explore how social work leadership drives change in communities through our accredited Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work online programs. Our social work programs' curricula, paired with our social justice values, equip graduates to pursue leadership and make a positive impact in communities. Discover more:

Social work leadership drives change in communities through Pacific Oaks' Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs.

08/18/2025

Podcasts are more popular than ever— spanning a wide range of topics perfect for any interest or audience.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a community of adult learners and first generation college students, what better inspiration for our bilingual podcast, Tu Sueño, Tu Realidad!, than our very own community?!

Read more about the power of podcasts in this Inside Higher Ed article we're featured in: https://ow.ly/yP6V50WGSc1

08/15/2025

Earlier this summer, Drs. Camille Huggins, Eugenia Rodriguez, and Cassandra Peel facilitated a workshop at the Variety Boys & Girls Club in Boyle Heights.

Designed for staff working with youth, the session, the first in a three-part series, aimed at strengthening staff confidence, problem-solving, resilience, leadership, and collaboration so they can foster safe and supportive environments. Thanks to our faculty for bridging education and impact through this effort.

08/06/2025

Today we welcomed the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles and more than 60 attendees convening to examine the food security needs of home-based childcare providers in Los Angeles.

We’re grateful for the commitment of organizations like the L.A. Food Policy Council, WIC, Department of Child and Family Services, the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors, Child Care Resource Center, First 5 LA, and Options for Learning and we’re proud to be a resource to organizations advancing the issues that matter.

Learn more about the Child Care Alliance (CCALA), a unique and significant partnership of ten member agencies that serve communities at the local level.

08/05/2025

Thanks to everyone, especially our Center for Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment (CARE), for hosting a Career Fair bringing together students, alumni, and a diverse group of employers and organizations. We love connecting our community with career resources, opportunities, and professional development advice. Discover more about CARE here: https://ow.ly/r52z50WApU0

08/04/2025

The teenage years are full of firsts, growing independence, and big decisions. But they also come with emotional ups and downs that can, at times, feel overwhelming for both the teenager experiencing them and the parent working to support them. Dive deeper with Pacific Oaks alumnus and faculty Andrew Kami, Ph.D., in this new Parents Magazine article:

Teens often hide their emotions around friends to fit in or avoid being judged. But suppressing emotions can have devastating mental health consequences. Here, experts explain what expressive suppression is, the role of peer influence, the signs to look for, and how to help.

08/01/2025

We earned our Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2020 to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students, a demographic that makes up more than half of Pacific Oaks’ student body. Since then, we've used the funds to establish and grow our Student Success Center (SSC), support students’ evolving needs during and in the wake of a global pandemic, and strengthen our community. Discover more about the grant and its impact, from Title V Project Director Judy Castro, Ed.D., here:

The HSI grant endowment has led to major improvements for Pacific Oaks students. Donor contributions are the key to its success.

08/01/2025

In this episode of Radical Cooperation, a podcast hosted by Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor for The Community Solution Education System, President McGrath, Ph.D., explores how institutions can thrive by doubling down on their strengths, staying true to their mission, and embracing radical cooperation to maximize their impact. Tune in: https://ow.ly/NviS50WyntN

07/28/2025

Early childhood expert and executive director of early childhood program at Pacific Oaks contributes her valuable perspectives about competitiveness in children with Parents Magazine. Discover more:

Competition is a normal part of being human, but it can also morph into something unhealthy in kids who struggle to manage their emotions. Here, experts explain why kids are overly competitive, the negative impact, signs to look for, and how to encourage them to have a healthy relationship with comp...