Spotlight: Ken Der - 2018 College of Alameda Salutatorian

Biography Statement
"I am incredibly grateful for the partnership between ASTI (Alameda Science and Technology Institute) and the Peralta Community College District that has allowed me and countless peers to take advantage of higher-level classes, foster our passions, and satisfy our curiosity. In my four years on campus, I have had the opportunity to build upon old interests, but most importantly, discover new passions.

In my sophomore year, for example, I founded the ASTI Initiative Mentoring Program. Today, I lead 100 ASTI student mentors in providing academic and social skill-building lessons to over 300 students at five elementary schools around Alameda. Our mission is to provide students with additional academic assistance, to equip them with skills for success, and to reignite in them a love of learning through an interactive tutoring model. Since the Initiative, I have been elected to the Alameda Unified School District School Board as the ASTI Student Representative and as a councilmember to ASTI’s School Site Council, thus allowing me to further my endeavors in the education field. I have been recognized by the City of Alameda - Local Government, the Peace and Justice Caucus of the California Teachers Association, and the Alameda Education Foundation for my work.

My experience at the College of Alameda has been truly enlightening. I spent my time getting to know inspiring peers and learning from dedicated instructors who challenged me to do my best. In addition to receiving my high school diploma from ASTI, I am graduating from the College of Alameda with an Associate in Science in Mathematics and an Associate in Arts in Natural Sciences.

I will be attending Stanford University (go Cardinal!) with an aim of majoring in Civil Engineering. My dream is to have a hand in the development of local infrastructure as well as public transportation systems, and the Peralta system has had no small role in helping me make this crucial decision. I reflect upon my time at the College of Alameda as one of great development, and I leave equipped with the knowledge and confidence necessary to continue my academic journey and pursue my true passions."

~ Ken Der

The mission of College of Alameda is to serve the educational needs of its diverse community by providing comprehensive and flexible programs and resources that empower students to achieve their goals. We are a diverse, supportive, empowering learning community for seekers of knowledge. We are committed to providing a creative, ethical and inclusive environment in which students develop their abilities as thinkers, workers and citizens of the world.

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The Peralta Community College District is comprised of Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College. Together we provide northern Alameda County a range of academic, career and life-long learning opportunities.

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