The California Community Colleges make up the largest system of higher education in the nation, consisting of 116 colleges and 73 districts, serving over 2.1 million students each year. Community colleges offer associate's degrees and industry-specific certificates, pathways for transfer to universities, and four year community college baccalaureate degrees.They provide local opportunities for community members to build technical skills in order to improve their earnings and foster lifelong learning.

The California Community Colleges are an accessible, affordable, and equitable option to our state’s most vulnerable populations, and help to improve the quality of life for those who often face barriers to higher education— including first-generation college students, students in low-income families, rural residents, inner city residents, foster youth, military veterans, and immigrants. 

The California Community Colleges hold a unique power to change the lives of individuals, their communities, and our state through equitable educational and economic opportunity. We truly believe they are a gateway to opportunity for all Californians and the backbone of California’s economy.

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