Meet Enrollment Coach Grace Barajas
Grace Barajas has dedicated many years to supporting students at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. With more than 20 years at CPE in various roles, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her new role as an enrollment coach. She is also fluent in Spanish.
“Whether students are looking to advance in their professional careers, planning a career change or just starting out on their educational journey, I have been providing guidance, advice and support to students for decades,” said Grace. “I have a deep understanding of the various backgrounds and needs of our students, and I am thrilled to continue serving them in this new role, where I can provide one-on-one support at a higher level.”
What roles have you held at CPE?
Through all my roles at CPE, I have worked closely with students. I started in enrollment services with CPE’s Human Services Department as an enrollment lead, providing training support for social workers in California’s 58 counties. I worked with the Pesticide Educational Resource Collaborative (PERC), delivering training and high-quality education for agricultural applicators of pesticide chemicals. Most recently, I worked in Student Services, where I provided enrollment and advising information on CPE’s wide array of offerings to students and the public. These roles have given me both a wealth of knowledge and experience with continuing and professional education, and the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and educational levels.
As an enrollment coach for CPE, what are your main goals?
In my current coach role, my goal is to provide support and tools for students to achieve their educational goals.
What are the main issues you often see students struggling with that you as a coach can help them overcome?
With many students looking to continue their education, we often see them struggling with financial burdens or time restraints. Deciding to go back to school is the first step. I’m here to help with the next step of guiding them through the opportunities we have available to help them realize their educational goals. We have wonderful online programs that allow students to learn on their own schedule and newly added financing options, including payment plans and outside funding, so students from all backgrounds can find the support they need to take advantage of our programs.
When should someone reach out to an enrollment coach?
When you have a question, reach out. We can answer any questions you have about our programs and guide you toward the best path for your needs. If funding is a concern, we can walk you through your options for financing your education. Lastly, we understand that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We provide one-on-one support and meet with students individually on a very personal level to help them meet their educational goals.
Do you bring any personal experience to the job that will help you relate to the students you’ll be coaching?
I am a mother of five, so I understand how difficult and unattainable achieving educational goals may seem for working adults. Home and work are challenging on its own and adding going back to school to the mix can be even more difficult for some to juggle. I am here to help all students achieve their dreams for whatever career they choose to pursue or build upon. I am experienced, patient and empathetic to all lifestyle situations and challenges that a student may face and dedicated to helping solve all barriers for my students!