BAKERFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Bakersfield College's long awaited satellite campus in Arvin opened its doors for the spring semester Tuesday, giving the rural community direct access to higher education. Community members had been asking for a BC satellite campus for decades. The Arvin Educational Center sits on 32 acres of land located right across the street from Arvin High School. Bakersfield traditions continue to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students can now pursue Associate's and Bachelor's degrees without having to make the long drive to east Bakersfield. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for a later date in February, the college said through a news release.