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Laney College

Oakland, CA

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Quick Facts

Dream. Flourish. Succeed.

Wikipedia
1953
Founded
Public community college
Type
60 acres
Campus
16,543
Total Students
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Rebecca Opsata

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Laney College

Laney College: Charting futures through vocational excellence since 1927, right in the heart of Oakland.

Nestled in the vibrant city of Oakland, Laney College is a dynamic public community college dedicated to empowering its diverse student body of over 16,500 individuals. Embodying its inspiring motto, "Dream. Flourish. Succeed.", Laney provides a vital educational pathway for students seeking to build skills, launch careers, or transfer to four-year institutions. It stands as a cornerstone of the community, known for its practical, career-focused education and its commitment to student success.

The college boasts a rich and impactful history, tracing its origins back to the Oakland Central Trade School established in 1927. This strong foundation in vocational training set the stage for Laney's evolution. In 1953, it played a pivotal role as the vocational training center for the newly formed Oakland Junior College, which later became Oakland City College. By 1964, with the creation of the Peralta Junior College District, Laney Institute emerged as an autonomous college, solidifying its unique identity and mission within the Oakland educational landscape.

Today, Laney College continues its legacy of providing accessible and high-quality education. While specific academic departments aren't detailed, its status as a public community college implies a broad array of programs designed to meet local workforce needs and prepare students for further academic pursuits. The college's athletic programs even gained national recognition, being featured in the fifth season of the Netflix documentary series "Last Chance U" in 2020, showcasing the dedication and talent fostered within its community.

Key Highlights

  • Serves a large and diverse student body of 16,543 individuals.
  • Rooted in a rich history, tracing its origins to the 1927 Oakland Central Trade School.
  • Operates under the inspiring motto: "Dream. Flourish. Succeed."
  • A foundational institution for vocational and technical education in the East Bay.
  • Part of the Peralta Community College District, serving the greater Oakland area.
  • Gained national recognition through its athletics program featured on Netflix's "Last Chance U" in 2020.

Timeline

1927
Oakland Central Trade School, a precursor to Laney College, is established.
1929
Merritt School of Business (a precursor to Merritt College) is founded.
1953
Oakland Junior College is founded, with Laney serving as its vocational training center.
1958
Oakland Junior College is renamed Oakland City College.
1964
Laney Institute and Merritt College become separate, autonomous colleges within the newly established Peralta Junior College District.
prior to 1970–71
The current Laney College campus opens its doors.
2020
Laney College athletics are featured in the Netflix documentary series "Last Chance U."
2025
Football coach and faculty athletics director John Beam is shot on campus, dying the following day.
🏛️
73 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Rebecca Opsata
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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