Facts about Berkeley City College
Berkeley City
College, formerly Vista Community
College, one of California’s 110 community
colleges, is part of the Peralta Community College District. Berkeley City College is centrally located in downtown Berkeley,
only two blocks from the U.C. campus. The college’s mission is to contribute to the success of all students and to the
well-being of the community by offering the best possible education which promises intellectual growth, social mobility, economic
development and an understanding of diverse ideas and peoples. Berkeley City College
is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Berkeley City College
serves students who seek general education, transfer to four-year universities, degrees and certificates in liberal arts and
occupational areas, career preparation or precollegiate skills. The student body
represents a diverse mix of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. They are
high school students enrolled in advanced courses, full-time workers, people who wish to transfer to a four-year university
and individuals who are the first in their families to attend college. Minority
students comprise approximately 53% of the student body.
Berkeley City College
offers transfer and occupational training classes, associate degree and certificate programs. The college is an active partner
in local economic development and employment training endeavors. Financial aid, academic and career counseling programs for
students with disabilities and assistance for economically disadvantaged students are available.
Berkeley City College
faculty are respected academicians and successful entrepreneurs. The college
maintains strong and unique community college/university collaboration with the University
of California at Berkeley. Approximately 30% of Berkeley City College’s freshman and sophomore college transfer
classes are offered evenings and Saturdays through Berkeley
City College on the U.C. campus.
Berkeley City College
structures its transfer courses into guaranteed afternoon, evening and Saturday schedules so that students can complete University of California and California State University
transfer requirements, even if they work full time.
Berkeley City College’s
curriculum also focuses on several important areas which are vital to local economic development and educational needs. Programs
and classes in biotechnology, business, computer information systems, office technology and multimedia and Web design, and
social services paraprofessional training, successfully integrate academics and occupational education with firm business
and community partnerships. As part of a CalWORKs collaborative, the college
has developed training programs for those affected by welfare reform legislation.
The
college hosts the Center for International Trade Development which provides counseling and international economic development
services to local small businesses.
