Nicholas “Nick” Bonasera
Student Trustee · Contra Costa Community College District
I'm a political science student at Diablo Valley College and the elected Student Trustee for the Contra Costa Community College District, representing students at Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College.
Every one of California's 72 community college districts is governed by a locally elected board, and each board seats a student trustee elected by that district's students. The role exists so the people most affected by a board's decisions have a voice in the room when they're made. A student trustee sits with the governing board, takes part in its deliberations, and casts an advisory vote recorded in the minutes.
Before Diablo Valley College I served six years in the United States Marine Corps, beginning as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle technician and later as a Marine Security Guard at U.S. diplomatic posts in Tijuana, Khartoum, Johannesburg, and Prague. That service, and the transition back into civilian life, shaped my interest in veterans' mental health, public service, and the stories people carry with them. I plan to continue in public policy and law, working on legislation that improves opportunities for students, service members, and veterans.
What I'm working on
Zero Textbook Cost
Expanding ZTC course offerings so required materials stop being a barrier to enrolling.
Veterans' support
Strengthening services for student veterans across the district's colleges.
Educational access
Reducing financial barriers and improving transfer and career pathways.
Giving the stipend back
Returning the Student Trustee stipend to programs that directly support students.
The seat
- District
- Contra Costa Community College District
- Colleges
- Contra Costa College · Diablo Valley College · Los Medanos College
- Students
- Roughly 50,000 across three colleges and two education centers
- Board
- Six-member Governing Board
- Region
- SSCCC Region III — East & North Bay
- Term
- June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
Background
- 2026 –
Student Trustee, Contra Costa CCD
Elected to a one-year districtwide term on the six-member Governing Board, representing roughly 50,000 students across three colleges and two education centers.
- 2026
Congressional intern, U.S. House of Representatives
Constituent communications and casework on federal benefits and veterans' services; legislative research and briefing materials; community outreach at town halls.
- 2024 – 2026
Chief of Operations, Bonasera Tennis
Ran daily operations for a tennis academy — 30 staff, 500 clients, scheduling and budgets.
- 2021 – 2024
Marine Security Guard, U.S. Department of State posts
Protected diplomatic facilities and personnel at the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana and U.S. Embassies in Khartoum, Johannesburg, and Prague. Supervised teams of 7–12 Marines and supported protective missions for the Secretary of State in Mexico City and Addis Ababa.
- 2018 – 2021
Amphibious Assault Vehicle technician, U.S. Marine Corps
Selected as one of twenty technicians for a year-long evaluation that informed whether the Department of Defense would field the Amphibious Combat Vehicle. Meritoriously promoted, then graduated top of his class at Marine Corps Embassy Security Group School.