LIVERMORE – Las Positas College (LPC) has been ranked the fourth best community college in the country by a group that uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to grade colleges nationwide,
College President Dyrell Foster announced the new rating last Friday at the Las Positas Foundation Fall Welcome Reception on campus.
“This distinction represents Las Positas College’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student success,” said Foster in a statement. “LPC’s primary role is to support the academic and career goals of our students and to address the educational and workforce development requirements of our community. It is gratifying to witness the recognition our college community is receiving for our collaborative endeavors to advance student equity and promote academic success.”
The ranking, compiled by Niche using the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, evaluated colleges based on academic quality, affordability, student outcomes, campus facilities and student reviews. Niche also collected and analyzed feedback from students and alumni to gauge their satisfaction with the college.
Two years ago, Niche chose LPC as the eighth-best community college in the United States. Last year, it was selected as the sixth-best community college in America.
In addition to the Niche ranking, college officials said students are showing their support for the quality of education LPC offers. The college reported a recent spike in enrollment – a 10% increase for the summer semester and a 14% year-over-year increase for the current fall semester.
A college spokesperson said the increased enrollment is due to several factors, including post-pandemic return to campus, word of mouth, increased outreach to students and campus open house events.
Advancing student benefits further, LPC has opened this fall two new campus buildings with innovative educational components, college representatives reported at the event. They add to the well conceived, learning-focused spaces already available.
Officials explained that the new Academic Support and Office Building and the Public Safety Complex and Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Building were designed to provide students with state-of-the-art facilities. These new facilities would not be possible without the support of Alameda County voters in passing Measure A, a $950 million bond for Chabot and Las Positas colleges in 2016.
The Academic Support and Office Building is a modern facility that supports the English center, math center, computer science center, computer labs, classrooms, tutoring with study areas, networking, faculty offices, and expansion of library functions.
College officials said this building serves as a hub for academic support and fosters an environment where students can receive the assistance they need to excel in their coursework.
The Public Safety Complex and Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation building is a state-of-the-art facility with technology and machinery designed to prepare students for careers in public safety and the rapidly evolving fields of manufacturing and transportation.
The Public Safety project consists of an emergency medical services simulation lab and situation rooms, fire training areas, and fire training apparatus.
The Advanced Manufacturing project includes an automotive technology facility, welding lab, classrooms, and lab spaces to provide training in advanced manufacturing processes and faculty offices. This building boasts specialized labs and workshops equipped with the latest technology and machinery, providing students with hands-on experience in obtaining necessary skills needed for their careers.
Las Positas College is also planning to build a STEAM Building, an addition to its campus that will house an array of programs critical to the convergence of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The building will accommodate chemistry and biology, studio arts, graphic design, digital media, interior design, photography, journalism, and media studies. It will feature modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and dedicated student learning spaces, as well as faculty offices, an art gallery, podcast studio and numerous collaborative areas for students, faculty members, administrators, and classified professionals.
President’s Scholars Program expands breadth of student services
One of LPC’s innovative student support systems was featured at the Fall Welcome Reception. It was easy for audience members to conclude that along with the college’s carefully designed campus facilities, the focus on accessibility for a broad range of students contributed to LPC’s recognition as the fourth best community college in the nation.
Foster described the President’s Scholars Program, a comprehensive scholarship plan. The two-year program recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential and community involvement. Each year, 20 students are chosen to receive this award, which covers the full cost of tuition for up to two years, an annual stipend of up to $1,000 for books and school supplies, complimentary parking permits each term and personal use of a new laptop computer. Students also have access to leadership, service and mentorship opportunities and serve as student ambassadors for the college.
“The President’s Scholars Program at Las Positas College represents our commitment to make a high-quality education even more accessible to families in our community,’’ said Foster. “These talented students exemplify an outstanding dedication to pursue their academic goals, community service, and leadership.”
The audience cheered Foster and the two students who spoke at the reception for their involvement in a program seen as inspiring.
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