The Yosemite Community College District (YCCD), one of the largest community college districts in California, hosted its State of the District event on Sept. 25 at Modesto Junior College. The program brought together trustees, college leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community partners to highlight recent achievements and share the District’s vision for advancing student success, workforce development, and regional partnerships. This year’s theme, “Deep Roots, Bold Futures,” reflected YCCD’s century-long history of serving the Central Valley and its bold commitment to innovation and opportunity for generations to come.
The event also featured a special statement from Governor Gavin Newsom, congratulating YCCD and emphasizing the important work being done: “California’s future depends on connecting education to good jobs. The Central Valley is the backbone of our economy, and with targeted investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and the trades, we’re giving more Californians the skills to support their families and strengthen their communities.”
Dr. Milton Richards, President of the YCCD Board of Trustees, shared: “Community colleges are the backbone to a prosperous, vibrant region. Today’s great turnout reflects how committed our leaders, faculty, staff, and students are to building a stronger, constantly evolving Yosemite Community College District–one that helps locals become the leaders and workforce of tomorrow.”
YCCD serves nearly 4,000 square miles across six counties, preparing students for high-demand careers, expanding access to affordable education, and building pathways that strengthen local businesses and communities. At the event, District leaders shared actionable plans for the two colleges in the District, focusing on guiding and connecting students – especially underrepresented students and families – to the right resources for success.
Dr. Lena Tran, Interim Chancellor of YCCD, highlighted the District’s momentum: “The State of the District demonstrates how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. From innovative workforce pathways to student-centered support services, everything we do is driven by our mission to create opportunity and transform lives across the region.”
Established in 1921, YCCD has grown to become one of the largest community college districts in California, covering nearly 4,000 square miles across Tuolumne and Stanislaus counties, as well as parts of San Joaquin, Merced, Calaveras, and Santa Clara counties. The district comprises two colleges: Modesto Junior College and Columbia College. Learn more at: https://www.yosemite.edu/index.html.
Columbia College is a public community college in Sonora, California. The college is part of the YCCD, which also administers MJC in nearby Modesto, California. Centered in the Sierra foothills, Columbia College offers students of diverse backgrounds many opportunities for discovery and success. Through a supportive and engaging learning environment, 4,000 students annually master foundational skills, explore their passions, attain degrees and certificates, and pursue career and transfer pathways. Learn more at: www.gocolumbia.edu.
Founded in 1921, MJC has been serving Modesto and surrounding communities for more than 100 years. It is the mission of the college to empower students to discover opportunities and reach their goals through access to and inclusion in higher education. Learn more at: https://www.mjc.edu/.
