Antelope Valley Community College Board — Trustee Area 2

Students First.
Opportunity for All.
A Stronger Future for AVC.

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Ricardo Ortega for Antelope Valley Community College Board 2

Ricardo Ortega is running for the Antelope Valley Community College Board to make college more affordable, accessible, and student-centered — so every student has a real pathway to graduate, transfer, and succeed.

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Ricardo Ortega
Ricardo Ortega
🎓
Student Success
Expand access and build pathways for every student.
🤝
Strong Communities
Partner locally to support workforce and economic growth.
🏛️
Accountable Leadership
Fiscal responsibility and transparency to earn your trust.
🌟
Opportunity for All
Remove barriers and open doors to a better future.
Why I'm Running

AVC students deserve more than access — they deserve to succeed.

I am running for the Antelope Valley Community College Board because our students deserve more than college access; they deserve the support to finish, transfer, and succeed.

Antelope Valley College is one of the most important institutions in our region. It serves working students, first-generation students, veterans, parents, low-income students, and young people looking for a pathway to a better future.

But too many students still face barriers that make college harder than it should be: transportation challenges, food and housing insecurity, textbook costs, limited counseling access, and difficulty transferring or completing programs.

As a trustee, I will fight for a student-centered AVC that listens to students, strengthens support services, expands career pathways, and prepares our community for the future.

See My Priorities →

AVC should be a place where students are not left to figure things out alone. Whether a student is working full-time, raising a family, commuting long distances, or looking for a career pathway — AVC must be ready to support them.

— Ricardo Ortega, Candidate for AVC Board Trustee Area 2
Campaign Priorities

A Student-First Plan for Antelope Valley College

Five commitments to make AVC work better for every student in our community.

Priority 01

Student Success & Completion

Students should not just enroll at AVC — they should complete their degree, certificate, or transfer pathway. Ricardo will expand counseling, tutoring, academic planning, and early support systems to help more students finish what they start.

Priority 02

Affordable College & Basic Needs

College affordability is more than tuition. Students face costs for textbooks, transportation, food, rent, and daily living expenses. Ricardo will advocate for stronger basic needs support, textbook affordability, emergency assistance, and partnerships that help students stay enrolled.

Priority 03

Career & Workforce Pathways

AVC should be a direct pathway to good-paying careers in the Antelope Valley. Ricardo will support stronger workforce partnerships in healthcare, aerospace, logistics, skilled trades, education, public service, and technology.

Priority 04

Transportation & Campus Access

Students across the Antelope Valley often travel long distances to get to campus. Ricardo will work to address transportation, parking, and access barriers so students can realistically attend class and complete their education.

Priority 05

Equity & First-Generation Support

AVC serves Latino students, Black students, first-generation students, English language learners, foster youth, veterans, and working adults. Ricardo will fight for policies that close equity gaps and ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.

Principles

Local Leadership

Ricardo is dedicated to student success, institutional accountability, and inclusive decision-making — building a stronger, more accountable AVC for everyone in the Antelope Valley.

Join the Campaign →
Ricardo Ortega
Meet Ricardo

Ricardo Ortega: Experience to Lead Antelope Valley College

Ricardo Ortega is a public servant, youth advocate, and community leader who has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for young people and underserved communities.

As a former foster youth, Ricardo knows what it means to face barriers — and what it means when education, mentorship, and public service create a path forward. His life's work has focused on youth empowerment, mental health, education access, civic engagement, and legislative advocacy.

Ricardo currently serves as the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Program Manager for NAMI Greater Los Angeles County, where he manages vital mental health and support services — experience directly applicable to AVC's growing need for student wellness programs.

As the former Statewide Policy and Legislative Manager at California Youth Connection, Ricardo successfully worked on three key pieces of state legislation (AB 2247, AB 46, and AB 562) related to youth stability and civic engagement.

Legislative Experience

Worked on AB 2247, AB 46, and AB 562 — advancing youth stability and civic engagement statewide.

Mental Health Leadership

Served on California's Mental Health Board for Transitional Age Youth.

Community Governance

Inaugural Los Angeles County Youth Commissioner — a track record of effective regional representation.

Local Commitment

Deep roots in the Antelope Valley with experience working alongside local Chambers of Commerce.

Endorsed By

Build a Stronger Antelope Valley College, Today.

Ricardo is building a people-powered campaign focused on students, families, and the future of Antelope Valley College. Trusted leaders across California are standing with us.

GW
Congressman George Whitesides
LF
Congresswoman Laura Friedman
FM
CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma
JC
Assemblymember Juan Carillo
JI
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
RZ
Assemblymember & Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Zbur
MG
Assemblymember & Majority Whip Mark Gonzalez
JS
Assemblymember Jose L. Solache
RG
Assemblymember Robert Garcia
DD
Desert Democracy Project
Add Your Endorsement →
Get Involved

Join Team Ricardo

This campaign is about building a stronger future for AVC students and the Antelope Valley. Join us to help reach voters, host events, share Ricardo's message, and build a student-first movement.

Whether you want to volunteer a few hours or host a meet-and-greet in your neighborhood, every action makes a difference. Together we can make AVC work for every student.

✓ Knock on doors & phone bank
✓ Host a neighborhood meet-and-greet
✓ Display a yard sign
✓ Share Ricardo's message on social media
✓ Endorse the campaign

Sign Up to Get Involved

Contact

Contact the Campaign

Get in Touch

Have a question, want to get involved, or want to invite Ricardo to an event? Contact the campaign today. We'd love to hear from you.

📧 campaign@ortegaricardo.com

Campaign Launch Event

1826 W Avenue L-8, Lancaster, CA 93534
Saturday, June 27, 2026 — 1:00 PM
Light refreshments will be served.

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