Las Positas College

Las Positas College
Name	Las Positas College
Established	1965
Type	Public community college
Parent	Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
President	Dr. Dyrell Foster
City	Livermore, California
State	California
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 147 acres
Colors	Blue & gold
Nickname	Hawks
Mascot	Hawk
Website	laspositascollege.edu

Las Positas College. It is a public community college located in Livermore, California, part of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum including associate degrees, career technical education, and transfer pathways to four-year institutions. Its suburban campus serves the Tri-Valley region and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

History

The institution traces its origins to 1965 when it was established as an extension campus of Chabot College in Hayward, California. Initially holding classes in local facilities like the Livermore High School cafeteria, it became an independent college within the district in 1988. A significant milestone was the 1995 passage of a local bond measure that funded the construction of a permanent, centralized campus, which opened in 2004. The college's development has been closely tied to the growth of the surrounding Livermore Valley and the expansion of nearby Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Academics

The college provides over 80 degree and certificate programs across diverse fields such as nursing, administration of justice, biotechnology, and studio arts. It maintains a strong transfer articulation network with the University of California and California State University systems, particularly to campuses like UC Davis and San José State University. Specialized career education is offered in areas including aviation maintenance, fire technology, and winemaking, the latter leveraging the region's connection to the California wine industry. The college also hosts a NASA-supported MUREP Aerospace Academy for STEM outreach.

Campus

Situated on 147 acres in eastern Alameda County, the campus features modern instructional facilities constructed in the early 21st century. Key buildings include the Livermore-funded Performing Arts Center, the Innovation and Learning Center, and specialized labs for chemistry and allied health sciences. The campus layout includes the "Main Quad" as a central gathering space and is adjacent to the Livermore Municipal Airport, supporting its aviation program. Future development plans are guided by the district's facilities master plan.

Student life

Student governance is provided by the Associated Students of Las Positas College, which funds clubs and organizes events. Over 30 student clubs cater to interests ranging from the Phi Theta Kappa honor society to cultural groups and professional associations. The college holds annual traditions like Welcome Week and hosts lectures and performances open to the public. Support services include the Veterans Affairs office, the Puente Project, and the Umoja program for student success.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Hawks, compete in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) as a member of the Coast Conference. It fields intercollegiate teams in sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and swimming. The athletic department is housed in the Physical Education and Fitness Complex, which includes a gymnasium and swimming pool. Several athletes have transferred to compete at NCAA Division I and Division II institutions.

Notable people

Notable alumni include Major League Baseball player Daniel Nava and National Football League athlete Brandon Barnes. Faculty have included esteemed figures like former United States Poet Laureate Kay Ryan, who taught English studies at the college. Other distinguished alumni are found in fields such as public policy, music, and academia, contributing to the cultural and professional landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Category:Universities and colleges in Alameda County, California Category:Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Category:Educational institutions established in 1965 Category:Community colleges in California