Longtime Long Beach resident Elijah Sims was recently appointed as the Interim Director of the Long Beach College Promise, the nation’s leading example of seamless education from high school, free community college tuition and transfer to the local university.

Sims joined LBCC in 2012 as an adjunct faculty member in Counseling. Since then, he has been a full-time Counselor and Associate Professor, and Entry Services Coordinator. Sims is not new to Long Beach College Promise programming, as he has worked with Promise students for the last five years as a counselor and coordinator. His recent efforts include initiating a team of completion counselors to help students earn degrees and transfer to 4-year institutions, developing retention and persistence interventions for continuing students, and supporting academic probation students to return to good standing.

Currently, Sims reports to all three educational chief executive officers at LBUSD, LBCC and CSULB, who will also share the cost of the position. As a result, he will split his time among the partners in service to the Long Beach College Promise initiative as a whole.

Jorge is a proud alumnus of Cal State Long Beach, where he first began working with Long Beach College Promise as a tour guide for LBUSD 5th Graders. Energized by the vision of the Promise, he developed a passion for educational equity and began his now decade-long career in educational outreach.

“The Long Beach College Promise is such an inspiring partnership rooted in empowering communities, uplifting families, and building bridges to success for every Long Beach resident. I am so thankful for this opportunity to advance that mission here at CSULB.”

Passionate educator with a focus on equity, active listening, and empathy. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where every student's voice is heard and valued.  With years of experience, I guide students through college admissions, financial aid, and academic planning, ensuring personalized support. I advocate for equitable opportunities and resources, aiming to level the playing field for all. By actively listening to students' stories and aspirations, I provide tailored guidance and empower them to make informed decisions.

I grew up in Compton, California, and as a first-generation college student and graduate, education has always been deeply personal to me. My journey inspired my passion for helping others access the same kinds of opportunities that changed my life. For the past eight years, I’ve worked in higher education, dedicated to serving my community by creating pathways that help students discover their purpose and reach their full potential.

As the Education Strategy Partnerships Manager for the City of Long Beach, I work to advance educational equity by building strong partnerships between the city, schools, and community organizations. One of the key initiatives I’m proud to support is the Long Beach College Promise, which ensures that all Long Beach students have access to a high-quality education, from kindergarten through college. Through this work, we help remove barriers that often prevent students, especially those from underserved communities, from pursuing higher education.

I believe that exposure expands expectations. When students are given access to opportunities and experiences that broaden their horizons, they begin to see what’s possible for their futures. My goal is to continue strengthening connections across our city so that every student in Long Beach can thrive and succeed.