Cerritos College

Cerritos College stands as a cornerstone public community college, serving a substantial student body of over 22,000 across a diverse district including Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Hawaiian Gardens. Under the leadership of President Jose Fierro, the college is dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment for all its students.

Established in 1955, the college quickly became a significant local institution. Its very name, derived from Rancho Los Cerritos, carried such weight that it even inspired the renaming of the neighboring city of Dairy Valley to Cerritos, cementing its place in the region's cultural and historical fabric.

The college's journey began with rented classrooms in September 1956 at the now-defunct Excelsior High School. However, displaying remarkable determination, Cerritos Junior College District courageously won a crucial land dispute against Dairy Valley in July 1957, paving the way for its permanent home. By September 1959, it had settled into its dedicated campus, ready to foster learning and community growth.

As a public community college, Cerritos is dedicated to providing accessible and quality education, preparing students for diverse pathways, whether that's transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce directly. It represents a large, dynamic, and supportive environment where a substantial student population comes together to achieve their educational aspirations.