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East Los Angeles College

Monterey Park, CA

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About East Los Angeles College

Serving Los Angeles since WWII, ELAC is a vibrant hub for education and community pride.

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) stands as a testament to community dedication, founded in the immediate aftermath of World War II to serve the vast numbers of returning servicemen. As only the second city college in the burgeoning Los Angeles area, ELAC quickly became a crucial institution, initially operating from the Garfield High School campus before establishing its permanent 82-acre home. Its historical significance is deeply rooted in addressing the critical need for accessible higher education, particularly in the rapidly industrializing Eastside.

Today, ELAC continues to be a cornerstone of educational opportunity and community engagement. The college is celebrated for its dynamic student experience, notably featuring in the Netflix series "Last Chance U: Basketball," which spotlights its dedicated athletics program. ELAC’s academic strengths are highlighted by groundbreaking initiatives, including offering the state's first community college program in Central American studies, reflecting its commitment to innovative and culturally relevant curricula.

The vibrant student life extends beyond the classroom and court. ELAC's Weingart Stadium is a community focal point, hosting local high school graduations and the legendary "East L.A. Classic" football game—an annual tradition that draws over 20,000 fans, embodying the strong ties between the college and the surrounding neighborhoods. This rich blend of historical importance, academic innovation, and deep community roots makes East Los Angeles College an engaging and transformative environment for prospective students and their families.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1945 as the second city college in Los Angeles to accommodate returning WWII servicemen.
  • ✦Commenced classes with an initial enrollment of 373 students and 19 faculty members.
  • ✦Relocated to its current 82-acre campus, situated six miles from the Los Angeles Civic Center, in February 1948.
  • ✦Features prominently in the Netflix series "Last Chance U: Basketball," showcasing its men's basketball team.
  • ✦Offers the state's first community college program in Central American studies.
  • ✦Weingart Stadium hosts the annual "East L.A. Classic" football game, drawing over 20,000 fans.
  • ✦A portion of the 2005 movie "Goal!" was filmed at ELAC's Weingart Stadium.

Timeline

1945
Citizens' committee presented proposition for a junior college to the Los Angeles City Board of Education.
1945
Los Angeles Board of Education voted to establish a Junior College on the Garfield High School campus in June.
1945
East Los Angeles College commenced classes on September 4, with 373 students and 19 faculty members.
1945
The first edition of the Campus News was published on September 19.
1948
The college relocated to its current 82-acre site on Avenida Cesar Chavez in February.
2005
A portion of the movie "Goal!" was filmed at ELAC's Weingart Stadium.
2021
The Netflix series "Last Chance U: Basketball," featuring ELAC, premiered on March 10.

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