California Community Colleges



The California Community Colleges will provide you with life-changing opportunities and a clear path to your goals, whether it’s transferring to a four-year college or university or seeking the job-training skills that can help you move up the career ladder. The facts don’t lie. We transfer nearly 80,000 students to University of California and California State University campuses each year. Nearly half who earn a University of California bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have transferred from a California community college campus. Nearly 30% of University of California and more than half of California State University graduates started at a California community college.

California Community Colleges Stories

Richard Van Horne shown on the job as an Electrical Instrumentation Supervisor at the GAF shingle manufacturing plant

Two-Year Ticket to Success

Bakersfield College bachelor’s graduate fast-tracked his path to high-paying career in industrial automation Richard Van Horne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial automation from Bakersfield College in 2018, and… [Read More]
Vasthy Repak standing and smiling for the camera

A Different Path

After embracing her parents’ advice on education, Vasthy Repak earned AS and BS degrees from community colleges Community colleges have allowed Vasthy Repak to attain both associate and bachelor’s degrees,… [Read More]
Aneesa Mustafa standing outside and smiling for the camera

Doubling Up

Berkeley student bound for a medical career says high school/community college dual-enrollment helped her achieve scholastic success Aneesa Mustafa—now studying to become a doctor at UC Berkeley—got a head start… [Read More]
Vanessa Munguia in scrubs standing with her arms crossed and smiling for the camera

A Pathway Back

San Diego College of Continuing Education helps former (and future) nurse find a way back to chosen career Vanessa Munguia was a registered nurse in Mexico, and has been improving… [Read More]
Lina Caro Flores standing in front of the Lake Tahoe Community College sign

Breaking the Cycle

Rising Scholars Network helps launch Lake Tahoe Community College Student on path to higher education and advocacy work Lina Caro Flores credits Lake Tahoe Community College and the Rising Scholars… [Read More]
Portrait of formerly incarcerated Jose Romero at Palomar College where he partipates in the Rising Scholars program. He’s also a student at Calfornia State University San Marcos. In the background is the school’s longtime landmark dome that houses the gymnasium.

Incarceration to Inspiration

After serving 26 years in prison, Palomar College graduate Jose Romero wants to show others that rehabilitation is possible After serving 26 years in prison for first-degree murder, Jose Romero… [Read More]
Clifford Haines in a suit smiling for the camera

A Fighting Chance

Formerly incarcerated student finds educational success with support from Rising Scholars Network After serving time in prison, Clifford Haines found the support he needed to meet his educational goals from… [Read More]
Portrait of Steve Chika at Cuyamaca College where he attended ESL classes.

The Drive to Succeed

Long-time caregiver gears up for a new career in automotive technology thanks to union/college partnership In addition to taking care of his brother with multiple sclerosis and aging mother, Steve… [Read More]
Eunice Worrel-Santos standing in front of the North Orange Continuing Education building

Accounting for the Golden Years

Caregiver takes advantage of union/college partnership to learn a new trade, bolster finances for retirement Thanks to a partnership between California Community Colleges and the United Domestic Workers union, caregiver… [Read More]
Portrait of Roxana de Hernandez at her apartment in Santee

Endless Optimism, New Opportunities

After a long and difficult journey, immigrant caregiver finds support, pathway to education through union/college partnership Roxana de Hernandez suffered horrific abuse and was unable to pursue her educational goals… [Read More]