American River College

Nestled in Sacramento, American River College (ARC) stands as a vibrant cornerstone of public community education, proudly serving over 42,000 students. Since its inception, ARC has been committed to fostering academic excellence and personal growth, offering a diverse array of programs designed to prepare students for both further university study and direct career entry. Under the leadership of President Lisa Cardoza, ARC continues to be a dynamic hub of learning and opportunity, reflecting its dedication to student success within the Los Rios Community College District.

The journey of American River College began in 1955 as American River Junior College. It quickly evolved, relocating to its expansive current campus in 1958 and officially becoming American River College in 1965 as part of the esteemed Los Rios Community College District. This period marked the start of significant growth and development, establishing ARC as a prominent educational institution. Its campus even boasts a slice of cinematic history, having been the backdrop for a climactic scene in the 1986 film Wisdom.

ARC is recognized for its robust investment in modern learning environments. Between 2004 and 2013, the college underwent a massive transformation, unveiling state-of-the-art facilities for Health Education, Theater & Music, Kinesiology, Life Science, and Fine Arts, alongside an expanded library and a new Student Center. This commitment to cutting-edge facilities continued with the 2014 opening of the 19,000 square foot Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center, a vibrant hub for the college's hospitality management program and home to the student-run Oak Cafe restaurant and bakery. Further cementing its academic prowess, 2021 saw the debut of the impressive 57,000 square foot Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center, a testament to ARC's dedication to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. These facilities underscore ARC's academic strengths, providing students with hands-on, real-world experience and preparing them for the demands of tomorrow's workforce.