Barstow Community College

Barstow Community College (BCC) stands as a vibrant public community college, deeply rooted in the High Desert region of Southern California. Serving 3,746 students, BCC is known for its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that directly addresses the needs of its community and the evolving workforce. From its origins as a citizen-led initiative, BCC has blossomed into a modern institution, continuously adapting to empower its students for future success.

The college's journey began in September 1959, when citizens established the Barstow Community College district. What started with evening classes at Barstow High School in 1960 and initial full-day classes at the Barstow First Methodist Church in 1962, quickly propelled into the construction of its permanent campus on Barstow Road in 1964. By February 1965, the new campus welcomed its first students, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive educational hub it is today, representing the high standards of any U.S. college campus.

Academic strengths at BCC shine particularly bright in its vocational and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Recognizing the critical link between education and employment, the college revamped its vocational offerings in 2006 to meet contemporary workforce demands. This commitment was further solidified in 2010 with the formation of the Center for Workforce and Economic Development, a unique partnership that centrally houses 90 percent of its CTE programs. Students can pursue cutting-edge fields such as Solar Technology, Logistics and Warehousing, Electrical, Building Construction Trades Technology, HVAC, Automotive and Diesel Technology, Photography, and Welding.

The student experience at Barstow Community College is enriched by its impressive array of facilities. The campus boasts modern instructional halls, a gym, athletic fields, tennis courts, a cafeteria, and a student center. Additions like the state-of-the-art library, amphitheater, fine arts center, and the renovated Norman Smith Student Services Center enhance student life and learning. Further elevating the campus experience, a magnificent 700-seat Performing Arts Center opened in 2014, and a two-story Wellness Center with an indoor track broke ground in 2011, underscoring BCC's dedication to holistic student development.