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San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, TX

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Quick Facts

Your Goals. Your College.

1961
Founded
Public community college
Type
30,000
Total Students
Associate's Colleges
Classification

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

About San Jacinto Community College

San Jacinto Community College: Your Goals. Your College. Empowering 30,000 students since 1961.

San Jacinto Community College stands as a cornerstone of education in East Harris County, Texas, dedicated to helping 30,000 students annually achieve their academic and career goals. Guided by its motto, "Your Goals. Your College.," San Jac provides a vibrant and accessible learning environment, offering diverse programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year universities or direct entry into high-demand professions. Its commitment to student success is evident in its continuous investment in modern facilities and innovative educational pathways.

The college's rich history began in May 1960 when local voters approved the creation of the East Harris County Union Junior College. Soon after, in February 1961, it was officially established as The San Jacinto Junior College District, welcoming 876 pioneering students that September. Rapid growth and a steadfast dedication to academic excellence led to continuous accreditation, first by the Texas Department of Education upon opening, and subsequently by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1966. This foundation allowed for significant expansion, with the North Campus opening in 1975 and San Jacinto College South following in 1979, creating a robust multi-campus system.

San Jacinto College is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to education, underpinned by substantial community support. Voters have repeatedly approved major bond initiatives, including $91 million in 1999 for state-of-the-art Interactive Learning Centers and Fine Arts Centers, and an additional $295 million in 2008 to enhance science, allied health, library, and physical education facilities. Academic innovation is further exemplified by the Clear Horizons Early College High School, a partnership allowing students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree concurrently. The college's resilience was notably demonstrated in 2008 when, despite significant damage from Hurricane Ike, students were back in classes in less than three weeks, highlighting its unwavering commitment to its community and students.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1961, serving East Harris County with a "Your Goals. Your College." motto.
  • Educates approximately 30,000 students annually across multiple campuses.
  • Consistently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1966, with the most recent reaffirmation in 2019.
  • Invested over $386 million in new and upgraded facilities since 1999, enhancing science, allied health, and arts programs.
  • Partners with Clear Creek ISD to offer Clear Horizons Early College High School, enabling students to earn an associate degree while in high school.
  • Demonstrated rapid recovery and dedication to students after Hurricane Ike in 2008.

Timeline

1960
Voters approve creation of East Harris County Union Junior College District.
1961
College officially founded; name changed to The San Jacinto Junior College District; first classes begin with 876 students.
1966
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools grants initial accreditation.
1975
North Campus opens for classes.
1979
San Jacinto College South opens for classes.
1999
Voters approve $91 million in bonds for new buildings, including Interactive Learning and Fine Arts Centers.
2007
Clear Horizons Early College High School opens on the South Campus.
2008
Voters approve $295 million for updated science, allied health, library, and physical education facilities; Hurricane Ike impacts campuses.
2019
Most recent reaffirmation of accreditation for all three campuses.
🏛️
65 Years
of Excellence

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