Sacramento City College

Sacramento City College stands as a cornerstone of higher education, not just in its city, but across California. As the oldest institution of higher learning in Sacramento and the seventh oldest public community college in the state, SCC carries a rich legacy of pioneering spirit and community dedication. From its very inception, the college was built on a foundation of inclusion, setting a precedent for accessible and welcoming education.

Founded in 1916 by the visionary Belle Cooledge, Sacramento City College initially began as a department of Sacramento High School. Cooledge's mission was clear: to create a safe, welcoming environment where students could master the fundamentals for a college education, while also serving as a vibrant hub for extracurricular activities that brought the community together. Notably, its first graduating class was entirely female, a testament to its forward-thinking and inclusive beginnings.

Over the decades, SCC's administrative structure evolved, first gaining independence as Sacramento Junior College in 1922, then joining the Sacramento City Unified School District in 1936. A significant turning point came in 1964 when, for a symbolic $1.00, it separated to become a key institution within the newly formed Los Rios Junior College District. This transition solidified its role as a vital component of a growing community college system, which has since expanded to include institutions like American River College, Cosumnes River College, and Folsom Lake College, all while maintaining SCC's core commitment to providing foundational education and fostering community engagement.