Los Angeles City College

Los Angeles City College
Name	Los Angeles City College
Established	1929
Type	Public community college
President	Dr. Mary Gallagher
City	Los Angeles
State	California
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 49 acres
Colors	Royal blue & white
Mascot	Cubs
Affiliations	Los Angeles Community College District
Website	www.lacitycollege.edu

Los Angeles City College. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest of the nine colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District. The institution has served as a vital gateway to higher education for generations of Angelenos, offering a comprehensive range of associate degree programs and vocational education. Its central location in East Hollywood places it at the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cultural and creative centers.

History

The college originated as the Los Angeles Junior College, which held its first classes in 1929 on the campus of Los Angeles High School. It became an independent entity and moved to its current location in 1935, with many of its original Spanish Colonial Revival buildings constructed by the Works Progress Administration. During World War II, the campus was used for training by the United States Army Air Forces. The post-war era saw significant expansion, and in 1969, it was renamed as part of the newly formed Los Angeles Community College District. Throughout its history, the college has been a focal point for social movements, including the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Campus

The 49-acre campus is situated in the East Hollywood neighborhood, bordered by Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. Notable facilities include the historic Leonard H. Spicer Administration Building, the modern Student Services Building, and the state-of-the-art Science and Technology Building. The campus is also home to the Herb Alpert Music Center and the renowned Camino Theatre. Its grounds feature several public art installations and are served by the Metro B Line at the Vermont/Santa Monica station.

Academics

The college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs across numerous divisions, including Allied Health, Business Administration, and STEM fields. It maintains a strong reputation in the performing arts, with highly regarded programs in Cinema, Television, and Music. The institution has articulation agreements with many University of California and California State University campuses to facilitate student transfer. Specialized programs include the highly competitive Nursing program and partnerships with major studios like Warner Bros. and The Walt Disney Company.

Student life

Student life is coordinated by the Associated Student Government, which oversees a wide array of clubs and organizations, including the Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society and the award-winning student newspaper, the College Times. The campus hosts numerous cultural events annually, such as the Latinx Heritage Month celebration and the Veterans Day ceremony. Student services include the Dream Resource Center for undocumented students and a comprehensive Child Development Center. The campus is known for its diverse and active student body, reflecting the demographic makeup of Los Angeles.

Notable alumni

The college counts many influential figures among its former students. In the arts, alumni include actor and director Clint Eastwood, actress Betty White, and musician Herb Alpert. In public service, alumni feature former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa and former United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Other distinguished graduates include astronaut Frederick W. Sturckow, baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rubén Salazar.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Cubs, compete in the South Coast Conference of the California Community College Athletic Association. The school fields teams in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The football team has a historic rivalry with Los Angeles Valley College. Home games are played at the on-campus John Shepard Stadium. The athletics department has produced numerous athletes who have transferred to NCAA Division I programs and several who have played professionally.

Category:Universities and colleges in Los Angeles Category:Community colleges in California Category:Educational institutions established in 1929 Category:Los Angeles Community College District