The California Community Colleges are a system of two-year public colleges. There are 110 community colleges throughout the state. The colleges serve approximately 2.8 million students each year and represent the largest system of higher education in the world.

College programs may consist of one course or a series of courses leading to a Career Technical Education/vocational certificate, an associate degree, or preparation to transfer to a four-year university or college.  All California Community Colleges offer courses that meet lower-division requirements (first two years) of a four-year university.

Career Technical Education/vocational programs can vary at each California community college campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level employment and career advancement in such fields as law enforcement, crop production, computer science, computer graphics applications, fire science, electronics, automotive, engineering, nursing, accounting, dental assisting and broadcasting, just to name a few. The colleges work closely with local business and industry to offer programs tailored to the employment needs of each community.

Many career paths start with taking Career Technical Education (CTE) classes at a high school or community college. These courses build upon one another and can prepare students for employment in rewarding and interesting careers. The State of California launched a Web site to help students make decisions about the right courses to take in high school and at community college in order to have the opportunity to turn their passion into a great job and a great future. For more information, visit www.WhoDoUWant2B.com   and then talk to a counselor or college career center representative to see how to make choices that are right for you. Be sure to visit the site often because it is updated frequently with new information, tips and career building games.

Courses in art, literature, humanities, foreign languages, instrumental and vocal music, drama and speech provide cultural enrichment for community college students. Students who wish to broaden their horizons and to become more aware of themselves and the world around them, will be drawn to offerings in health education, consumer education, psychology, child development, sociology, speech, conservation, and physical activities.

At many California Community Colleges, English as a Second Language is offered for non-native English speakers who want to learn the language or improve their English proficiency.

Students should contact the community college's admission office or go to the college's web page for a complete listing and description of programs.