Santiago Canyon College

Santiago Canyon College (SCC) stands as a vibrant public community college dedicated to fostering student success and community engagement. Established in 1985, SCC has grown into an educational beacon serving over 15,000 students under the leadership of President Jeannie G. Kim. Guided by its inspiring motto, "What Happens Here Matters," SCC emphasizes a student-centric approach, ensuring that every individual's journey toward academic and career goals is supported and valued within a thriving learning environment.

The college's journey began modestly in 1985 as the "Orange Campus," with an initial enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. Its identity truly solidified in July 1997 when it proudly separated from Santa Ana College and was renamed Santiago Canyon College. This pivotal moment led to independent accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges in January 2000, affirming SCC's commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.

SCC's physical campus has expanded significantly over the years, mirroring its growth in academic offerings and student services. Through strategic land acquisitions and generous donations, including an additional 12 acres from The Irvine Company in 2000 and further expansion funded by Measure E in 2003, the college has continuously enhanced its facilities. Modern complexes like the Student Services and Instruction building (2004), the Library (2006), the state-of-the-art Science Center (2010), and the comprehensive Athletics and Aquatics Complex (2013) provide students with cutting-edge resources and a dynamic campus experience essential for learning, growth, and community engagement. The Humanities building opened in Fall 2013, further enriching the campus's academic infrastructure.