college was forced to eliminate all athletic programs due to budget cuts. Some programs (but not football) were later restored. In March 2004 voters approved a $39.8 million bond to finance renovation of existing college facilities and expand into new structures. The work is ongoing as of May 2012. The total cost is estimated at around $100 million. Academics Taft College focuses on preparing students for career advancement in their current field or for further study at four-year institutions. The college's mission emphasizes basic skills and service to students. A variety of associate degrees are available in Arts and Sciences, together with certificates in specific subject areas. Since 1993 the college has offered degrees in dental hygiene, and the Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the public. Taft College also runs the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program, which trains young adults with developmental disabilities in the responsibilities of living on their own. "The Children's Center is the largest single-site child care facility in the California Community College system." Student life In fall 2011 Taft College enrolled just over 5,000 students, of whom 29% were first-time attendees. The student population was 62% male. Forty-eight percent were age 24 or younger. Hispanics represented 49% of the student body and white non-Hispanics 39%, with no other race exceeding 5%. In Fall 2011 98.5% of students came from high schools within California, overwhelmingly from Kern County. The vast majority of students commute to school, but about 200 live on-campus in two residence halls. The Associated Student Body is the "official governing organization of students enrolled at Taft College." Students participate in a variety of clubs. The college sponsors a student literary magazine, A Sharp Piece of Awesome, and a newspaper, Black Gold. There are two honor societies, Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Governance Taft College is the sole college within the West Kern Community College District (WKCCD). The WKCCD is overseen by a five-member Board of Trustees, who are responsible for maintaining high standards in college operations, selecting a Superintendent/President, outlining District policy and assuring the District's financial stability. Board members are elected by the voters in the WKCCD for a four-year term, staggered so that half the Board is up for election in each even-numbered year. Faculty members are represented by the Faculty Association. Other employees are represented by the California School Employees Association (CSEA). Students