Delta Learning Center recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its move to the building at 275 W. Tregallas Road. For more than 34 years, the Center’s credentialed teaching instructors have been successfully tutoring academically-challenged students in the East County area. GWF Power systems loaned the money – and forgave the loans – to construct the building.

The Center was started and continued under the direction of Julia “Bess” Combs, a retired school psychologist who saw the need for a tutoring program to help students who needed that extra boost to build a foundation for success in school and life. Her vision, combined with the help of the East County community, has provided a place that has helped thousands of local students achieve their educational goals by providing quality one-on-one tutoring, as well as scholarships.

Combs was a dedicated Soroptimist and made sure her club and others throughout the Bay Area were involved in the Delta Learning Center. Now, several years after Combs’ death, the Soroptimist, Lions, Rotarians, the City of Antioch and the Antioch Unified School District, GWF Power Systems as well as many other organizations, continue the effort she started with her commitment to the Delta Learning Center.

In celebration of 20 years at the West Tregallas location, the board thanked several of its longtime members: Fran Frye was given a lifetime honorary membership to the Delta Learning Center Board of Directors for his many years of service to the Board. Don Watson, the longest-serving board member and the man who’s fixed everything that needs repair at the building for the past 20 years, received a certificate of appreciation.

Retired Antioch Unified School District teacher Ben Fong, the Center’s longest-serving tutor, began tutoring before the building went up. Carol Burcio was honored for a lifetime dedicated to education. The former school principal has served on the board and as interim executive director of the Center without pay while making financial donations so it could stay open during difficult times; then continued her service on the board.

The Delta Learning Center is a 501C3 and has recently been awarded a $5,000 grant by Wells Fargo, and been notified of an impending grant from the Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation.

Tara McNight is the executive director of the Delta Learning Center. To sign up for tutoring, call 925-757-1310.