The District

The Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) includes two comprehensive colleges (Modesto Junior College and Columbia College) and a Central Services unit. The District covers a 4,500 square mile area and serves a population of over 550,000, encompassing all of two counties (Stanislaus and Tuolumne) and parts of four others (Calaveras, Merced, San Joaquin and Santa Clara). Modesto Junior College, situated in the Central Valley serves an agricultural and manufacturing based economy. Columbia College is located in the Sierra Nevadas, whose economy is based on tourism and natural resources. The District student body is diverse with ethnic minorities comprising roughly 46%. For the 2002-03 academic year, 29,000 students (16,540 FTES) were served by a staff of over 1,300 individuals. The annual District budget is just over $100 million.

YCCD is one of 72 community college districts in the State of California. Its two colleges are part of a 109 community college system which is the largest system of public higher education in the world serving more than 2 million students each year. California’s community colleges are strategically located to be within driving distance for most Californians. Californians can attend any community college campus in the state. Nationally, there are over 1,100 community colleges in the United States.

YCCD Mission

The Yosemite Community College District is committed to serving its diverse and multi-cultural community by providing quality general, vocational, and continuing education to students who are pursuing job qualifying skills, certificates, associate degrees, preparing to transfer to four-year institutions, or enhancing the quality of their lives.

The colleges in the district, supported by Central Services, offer comprehensive educational and support programs enabling students to achieve personal as well as academic potential. Particular attention is given to groups and individuals with special needs.

Additionally, Yosemite Community College District contributes to the social, cultural, and economic development of our communities.