A new club, Maize, has emerged at Bakersfield College. Maize, which signifies corn, is more of a symbol than an acronym, said Jesse Ibarra, Maize club president.

It is, and has been, for hundreds of thousand of years, a substance of life for all Mexicans.

According to their newsletter, the club’s mission is to educate and enrich students and promote cultural awareness throughout the community.

The club has approximately ten active members, two advisers, and one co-adviser said Ibarra.

Maize hopes to focus on community outreach by contributing in upcoming events such as Mariachi festivals, Noche de cultura, Dia de los muertos, open mic nites and food drives.

“Our main goal is to spread culture,” said Ibarra.

Currently, Maize is having a clothes drive. All items collected will be taken to an orphanage in Tijuana, MX on Oct. 28.

“So, far we have 15 bags, but our goal is 50,” said Ibarra.

Maize is also the first club to have a newsletter “Maize y Cultura.” The newsletter will be distributed twice a month.