The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, serving 2.1 million students across the 116 colleges in our network.

California is a leader in innovation, and so are our community colleges. Our colleges provide life-changing opportunities and clear pathways to students’ goals — whether they’re transferring to a four-year university or seeking job-training skills to advance their career.

Our students receive the education, support and guidance they need to reach their potential, whoever and wherever they are on their educational journey.

“The dreams I had as a child—now I feel I can reach them. I want to reach everything.” – Roxana de Hernandez, Southwestern College Student

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Our mission is simple: Put students first. Our collaborative action plan Vision 2030 provides focus, equity and direction to our 116 community colleges and is responsive to the changing needs of students, the workforce, and California’s communities.
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Key Facts

Every year, we provide hundreds of thousands of students with the career education and training they need to secure good jobs with family-sustaining wages. Our system serves the largest and most diverse student body in California higher education. California Community Colleges are a pivotal driver in developing California’s workforce and providing students with economic and social mobility.

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70%
OF CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES STUDENTS ARE PEOPLE OF DIVERSE ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS
51%
of CSU graduates started at a California community college
29%
OF UC GRADUATES STARTED AT A CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
19.6%
Students' average annual rate of return

Meet the Leadership

Chancellor Sonya Christian leads the California Community Colleges and advances our commitment to equity and academic success. With the support of Deputy Vice Chancellor Rowena Tomaneng, Dr. Christian oversees our strategic roadmap, Vision 2030. Our Board of Governors set policy and guide the system, as well as work with the Consultation Council to ensure broad representation in decisions. Our 10 Chancellor’s Office Divisions drive transformational change and provide administrative, communications, and legal support to the system.

Notable Former Students

Government leaders, authors, athletes and more have started as students at a California community college. Nearly half of University of California’s graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics transferred from a California community college campus. From labor leader Dolores Huerta to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, learn more about our former students.

“All families, students, and workers deserve the freedom to succeed: to build real-life skills and pursue careers.” – California Governor Gavin Newsom