Orange County, California is home to several community colleges.
Formed in the southern part of then-Los Angeles County, Orange County was founded in 1889 with the city of Santa Ana chosen as the county seat. Following the passage of the Upward Extension Law of 1907, which allowed high schools to offer college-level courses, eight community colleges were formed throughout the state between 1913 and 1916, including two in Orange County. As of 2011, nine community colleges are located in Orange County.
South Orange County
Formed in 1967, the South Orange County Community College District is comprised of two colleges, Saddleback College (SC) in Mission Viejo and Irvine Valley College (IVC) in Irvine. SC, which has an enrollment of more than 25,000, was created in 1968 and, as of 2011, offers more than 300 associate's degrees and vocational certificates. SC also offers 20 intercollegiate athletic programs, including football, men's and women's basketball and baseball. IVC was created in 1979 and offers more than 60 associate degree programs and 30 vocational career certificates. During the fall 2010 semester, IVC enrolled more than 15,000 students.
Rancho Santiago
Santa Ana College (SAC) and Santiago Canyon College (SCC) are part of the Ranch Santiago Community College District (RSCCD), headquartered in Santa Ana. Formed in 1915, SAC is one of the oldest community colleges in the state and, as of 2011, offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs in many areas, including criminal justice, biology and theater arts. SCC is located in the city of Orange and is one of the state's newest community colleges. Formed in 1997, RCC had previously served as an extension campus for the RSCCD from 1985 to 1996. RCC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
North Orange County
The North Orange County Community College District encompasses approximately 155-square-miles in north Orange County and is comprised of two colleges, Fullerton College (FC) and Cypress College (CC). Formed in 1913, FC is the oldest of the state's 112 community colleges and offers 89 associate's degree and 147 vocational certificate programs. FC enrolls more than 22,000 students per semester and employs 315 full-time and 480 part-time faculty members. Located 12 miles from the nearest beach, CC was founded in 1966 and, as of 2011, offers 141 career certificate and 51 associate's degree programs on a campus that features a large pond and several park-like study areas.
Coast
Founded in 1947, the Coast Community College District is comprised of Coastline Community College (CCC), Golden West College (GWC) and Orange Coast College (OCC). CCC is made up of three main mini campuses, located in Westminster, Garden Grove and Costa Mesa, and an administration building in Fountain Valley. Established in 1976, the school specializes in four-year college transfer programs and vocational training. GWC's 122-acre campus is located in Huntington Beach and offers educational programs in a variety of disciplines, including health education, computer science and architectural technology. Located in Costa Mesa, OCC was founded in 1948 and offers more than 130 educational and vocational programs. The school fields 22 intercollegiate athletic teams, including crew, men's and women's water polo and men's and women's cross country.
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