Dr. Torence Powell was appointed unanimously by the Los Rios Board of Trustees as the next Chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District. He will begin his term as Chancellor on July 1, 2026.
NASSSP (Native American Student Support and Success Program), in partnership with Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, and the Native Dad’s Network, successfully planned and hosted the Next Generation Tribal Youth Conference. The event welcomed nearly 200 Native students for a day focused on leadership development, college-prep pathways, and meaningful exposure to higher education opportunities.
Through collaboration with Tribal leaders and campus stakeholders, the conference created an inspiring space where Native youth could explore their futures, strengthen their confidence, and envision themselves thriving in college and beyond.
American River College’s Homecoming celebration was a powerful reflection of what makes ARC special: community, collaboration, and pride. From wellness and arts events to Spirit Fest and athletics, students, faculty, staff, and partners came together to bring the theme “You Belong Here: Re-Discover ARC” to life. The week showcased the creativity, teamwork, and care that define ARC—and reminded us what we can accomplish together.
After nearly a decade away from school, American River College alum John Burleson returned to higher education looking for a new direction, finding not only a career path but a community that changed his life.
"I returned to college after a nine-year break. I was working a dead-end job with no prospects for the future. I talked to someone who said I should go back to school and get an AA degree in counseling."
He found crucial support through the CalWORKs program and established a scholarship in honor of his mother.
That decision led him to American River College, where he found crucial support through the CalWORKs program and across campus. With encouragement from staff and fellow students, he earned an AA degree in Human Services in 2010—an achievement that opened the door to his next chapter.
“I graduated from ARC with an AA degree in Human Services in 2010. This led to me being accepted to Sacramento State University in the Social Work program. I graduated from CSUS in 2013, with my BSW.”
Receiving three ARC Foundation scholarships along the way played a vital role in helping him stay focused on his studies.
Those experiences inspired him to give back in a deeply personal way. He established a scholarship in honor of his mother, whose spirit continues to guide his generosity.
“I was inspired to establish a scholarship in my mom's name, because she would say, ‘living the dream.’ She was a great person! Giving, loving, hardworking, and just a real beautiful person that made you feel better about yourself. This scholarship is a reflection of my appreciation for what ARC did for me in my life.”
Reflecting on his time at ARC, he credits the college with helping him build not just academic success, but a framework for life.
“ARC, through staff and fellow students, were able to give me a road map to education, life, and an understanding on how to set and achieve my goals.”
For Burleson, giving back is about more than gratitude—it’s about the ripple effect of kindness.
“I’m giving back because I believe that one act of kindness to someone that you don’t know could change that person’s perspective and even situation in life and lead them to one day doing the same for someone else.”
Every year, ARC community members assist the Los Rios Colleges Foundation in selecting scholarship recipients. We'd love for our alumni to participate!
Sign me up!More than 110 high school students from Grant Union High School, Natomas High School, and the San Juan Unified School District visited ARC’s main campus to explore a wide range of Career Technical Education programs. Students participated in hands-on workshops led by our dedicated faculty, toured campus, learned more about life at ARC, and enjoyed a fun summer lunch hour.
Adelante continues to demonstrate the power of intentional, community-centered outreach—creating meaningful opportunities for students to discover career pathways and envision their futures.
Once a Beaver, Always a Beaver
Join the ARC Alumni Association!
Remember how you felt when you first started college—possibly nervous, shy and a little apprehensive? Assess how you feel now—confident, eager and looking forward to the future? Join others who feel the same way and help those who are still working to get there! As an American River College alum, you are part of the ARC family and it is our goal to keep you connected once you transition to a career and/or transfer to another educational institution. Your relationship with ARC does not have to end after you leave. Learn more and join the Alumni Association! Membership in the Alumni Association is free.
Whether you officially graduated or just took a few classes that made an impact, we want to hear from you. Share your experience with us, and you could be featured in one of our student profiles!
The Work Experience Internship Program is a unique academic program where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment – all while earning college credit. One resource available to our students is Handshake, a job and internship platform for students. If you are an employer and have open internships and positions, Learn more about Handshake.
Join the ARC Alumni Association!
Your gift to the ARC Alumni Fund supports college priorities that have immediate and lasting impact. Donations from ARC's Beaver Alumni help create, build, and sustain programs, ensuring that ARC continues to invest in our students and faculty.
