American River College
Sacramento, CA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About American River College
From classic film sets to cutting-edge STEM, ARC cultivates over 42,000 student journeys.
American River College (ARC) stands as a vibrant and extensive public community college, a cornerstone of education within the Los Rios Community College District. Serving a dynamic student body of over 42,000 individuals, ARC is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality learning experiences. Prospective students and their families will find a campus that balances a rich history with continuous innovation, offering modern facilities designed to support diverse academic and career pathways.
Established in 1955 as American River Junior College, the institution quickly grew, moving to its present-day location in 1958. By 1965, it officially became American River College, solidifying its place within the Los Rios Community College District alongside other prominent regional colleges. This period marked the beginning of a sustained commitment to growth and development, culminating in a significant expansion phase between 2004 and 2013 that added state-of-the-art facilities across various disciplines.
Academically, ARC is celebrated for its robust programs housed in cutting-edge centers. The 19,000 square foot Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center, opened in 2014, is a highlight, offering comprehensive hospitality management programs and featuring the popular student-run Oak Cafe restaurant and bakery. Further solidifying its commitment to modern education, the college unveiled the impressive 57,000 square foot Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center in 2021, providing advanced resources for a wide array of academic programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The student experience at American River College is enriched by its comprehensive campus environment. Beyond academic buildings for Health Education, Theater & Music, Kinesiology, Life Science, and Fine Arts, students benefit from an expanded library, a new Student Center, and ample parking. The campus even holds a unique place in popular culture, having served as a filming location for the 1986 Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore film "Wisdom," adding an intriguing layer to its history.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1955, growing into a prominent public community college.
- ✦Serves an extensive student body of 42,141 individuals.
- ✦A proud member of the Los Rios Community College District since 1965.
- ✦Home to the 57,000 sq ft Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center, opened in 2021, offering advanced academic programs.
- ✦Features the 19,000 sq ft Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center, opened in 2014, which houses the Hospitality Management program and the student-run Oak Cafe.
- ✦Experienced significant campus expansion between 2004-2013, adding numerous new academic buildings and student facilities.
- ✦Campus was a filming location for the climactic police showdown in the 1986 film "Wisdom."
Timeline
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