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Laney College

Oakland, CA

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Quick Facts

Dream. Flourish. Succeed.

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: Crafting futures with vocational and academic excellence since 1953.

Laney College stands as a cornerstone of education in Oakland, California, a dynamic public community college serving a substantial student body of 16,543. Embodying its inspiring motto, "Dream. Flourish. Succeed.," Laney College is dedicated to providing accessible pathways for students to achieve their educational and career aspirations.

With a history rooted deeply in the community's educational development, Laney College traces its origins back to the Oakland Central Trade School, established by the Oakland Board of Education in 1927. In 1953, it emerged as the vital vocational training center for the newly founded Oakland Junior College. This institution later evolved into Oakland City College before Laney Institute, situated on its current campus, became a separate and autonomous college in 1964 with the establishment of the Peralta Junior College District. The modern campus, a hub of learning and innovation, opened its doors prior to the 1970–71 academic year, marking a new chapter in its enduring legacy.

Today, Laney College continues its mission, building upon its rich vocational heritage while offering a diverse range of programs. It remains a crucial institution for students seeking to gain practical skills, transfer to four-year universities, or enrich their lives through lifelong learning, consistently contributing to the economic and social vitality of the Oakland community.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1953 as a pivotal part of Oakland Junior College, with historical roots tracing to the 1927 Oakland Central Trade School.
  • Serves a large and diverse student population of 16,543.
  • A public community college dedicated to fostering educational and career success in Oakland.
  • Guided by the motivational motto: "Dream. Flourish. Succeed."
  • Achieved autonomous college status in 1964 within the Peralta Junior College District.
  • Its current campus was inaugurated prior to the 1970–71 academic year.

Timeline

1927
Oakland Central Trade School established by the Oakland Board of Education.
1929
Merritt School of Business founded (now Merritt College).
1953
Oakland Junior College founded, with Laney serving as its vocational training center.
1958
Oakland Junior College renamed Oakland City College.
1964
Peralta Junior College District established; Laney Institute became a separate autonomous college.
1970
Current Laney College campus opened (prior to the 1970–71 academic year).
2020
Laney athletics featured in the fifth season of Netflix's 'Last Chance U' documentary series.
🏛️
73 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Rebecca Opsata
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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