Becca Barrett for Contra Costa Community College Board · Ward 3

Protecting the Promise of Community College

Community college changed my life. Together, we're making sure it keeps changing lives.

Why I'm running

Community college is a promise: no matter where you start, you deserve the education and support it takes to pursue your degree and build a secure life.

I know, because I lived it. My family couldn't afford any other option for college, so I went to DVC. It gave me real support for my dyslexia, a way to work while I studied, and a path to UCLA.

I grew up in Contra Costa, started at DVC, and have spent the last eight years doing what a college trustee should: I made college affordable, won good jobs for our students, and put the district back on track — cutting overhead and politics, never classrooms or student supports. That's why teachers, faculty and building trades are all behind me.

Rebecca Barrett sits at an outdoor campus picnic table with two students, one with a laptop and one taking notes

Here is what we've accomplished, together

Rebecca Barrett leans over a patio table in conversation with three smiling women on campus

Made College Affordable

Expanded free tuition. Becca grew our free tuition program, so thousands of local students start college without going into debt.
Got students what they need to succeed: Grew the free online textbook program and the college's professional clothing closets, so the cost of going to school doesn't push students to drop out.

Officials in hard hats hold golden shovels at a campus construction groundbreaking

Won Good Jobs for Our Students

Put students first in line. Won the agreement that puts district students, local residents, and veterans first in line for good union construction careers.
Expanded training that pays. Grew training programs where a certificate means a paycheck — nursing, construction, culinary, and more.

Rebecca Barrett outside the Contra Costa Community College District office at 500 Court Street in Martinez

Put the District Back on Track

Cut overhead, not classrooms. Has reduced administrative overhead costs, keeping more money in the classrooms.
Won more state funding. Led the charge to change how California funds community colleges, getting more dollars from Sacramento to our community colleges in Contra Costa.

See the results →