MEMBER NEWS: West Hills Coalinga Dedicates New Firebaugh Center

‘Firebaugh Center is a true game-changer for our community

… new opportunities for community members to pursue big dreams.’

West Hills Community College District and West Hills College Coalinga held a historic Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly constructed Firebaugh Center on Sept. 27.

“Firebaugh Center is a true game-changer for our community,” said Dr. Kristin Clark, West Hills Community College District chancellor. “With it brings new opportunities for community members to pursue big dreams.”

The new 41,263 square-foot center Firebaugh Center features new classrooms, labs, a library, office space and a new Fresno County library and field office for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The facility replaces the previous 11,764 square-foot center.

“West Hills College Coalinga aims to provide educational access within its service area, and the new Firebaugh Center will allow its learners to recognize their potential and achieve their goals through the delivery of high-quality academic instruction, programs, and support services,” said Carla Tweed, president of the Coalinga campus.

“The new center has indoor and outdoor classrooms and will allow students access to state-of-the-art technology, labs, and high-speed internet,” said Bethany Matos, dean of Firebaugh Center. “We are planning to offer medical and agricultural programs to students that will help prepare them for in-demand jobs that offer living wages.”

West Hills College Coalinga Firebaugh Center hopes to update classroom technology, improve energy efficiency and water conservation, install campus security and communication systems, install solar panels and battery storage, and update computers and devices through the help of Measure K included on this November’s ballot.

• See also: Improving New Firebaugh Center with Classroom Technology, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation, and Campus Security Proposed Through Help of Measure K