Cerritos College

Cerritos College stands as a cornerstone of public education in Southern California, serving a diverse student body of over 22,731 eager learners. As a prominent public community college, it provides accessible pathways to higher education, workforce training, and personal enrichment for residents across a broad district that includes Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Hawaiian Gardens. Under the leadership of President Jose Fierro, the college is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals.

The institution boasts a rich history, officially founded in 1955. Its very name, Cerritos College, pays homage to the historic Rancho Los Cerritos, a significant local landmark from the 19th century. Interestingly, the college's influence extended beyond its campus borders, playing a role in the inspiration behind the renaming of the neighboring city of Dairy Valley to Cerritos. The college's journey began with rented classrooms in September 1956 at the former Excelsior High School, demonstrating its early commitment to education even before securing its permanent home.

A pivotal moment arrived on July 24, 1957, when the Cerritos Junior College District successfully secured the right to utilize undeveloped land for its educational site. This laid the groundwork for its permanent campus, which students proudly moved into in September 1959. As a large and established public community college, Cerritos College is committed to offering a wide array of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of its community, preparing students for university transfer, specialized careers, and lifelong learning through comprehensive educational support and a vibrant student experience.