On the evening of December 11, 2025, Bakersfield College celebrated the pinning of nursing graduates from the Fall 2025 cohort. Among those graduates were four of our apprentices: Megan Baligad, Tiffany Contreras, and Annie Gaeta of Wasco State Prison; and Roxanna Gutierrez of Pleasant Valley State Prison. These apprentices began their educational journey in October 2024 and exemplified the hard work, determination, and dedication required to successfully complete the program.
Over the last 14 months, each apprentice faced significant challenges head-on, from long commutes and little sleep to time away from friends and family. Their perseverance and commitment carried them through every step of the program and into this well-earned milestone.
SEIU Local 1000 could not be more proud of our graduates, and we look forward to seeing how far they will go for themselves, their families, and the communities they serve.