Pasadena City College Set for Fall Semester Launch on Monday

Pasadena City College will open its doors for the fall 2024 semester on Monday, Aug. 26, welcoming over 26,100 students, including international learners from 70 countries.

With the launch of the 2024-25 academic year, PCC ushers in its Centennial Celebration year, marking the community college’s 100th year. PCC opened its doors to serve the West San Gabriel Valley in 1924. 

On Friday, PCC welcomed faculty and staff to its annual Fall Professional Development Day. At a collegewide gathering to kick off the day, Superintendent/President José A. Gómez compared PCC’s century-long tradition of nurturing students to achieve their best with another Pasadena institution: The Rose Parade.

PCC, Dr. Gómez said, “reflects that same welcoming spirit” that can be found in the Rose Parade, which was founded to invite snowbound East Coast residents to consider the beauty of Pasadena in January. “That perspective, that transformative way of seeing, is alive and well at Pasadena City College,” he said. 

Friday’s event also featured Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, a PCC alumnus and a strong advocate for the college. Faculty and staff heard him share stories of his upbringing in Pasadena as a young immigrant from Zacatecas, Mexico, and how classes at PCC helped him gain an education and eventually attend law school. 

He drew a direct line from his experience to the people in the room who help students today. “PCC’s a great institution with a rich history, and a tremendous tradition of success, but it would not be so without people,” he said. “And so on behalf of my family, and myself, and all of the students that have walked this great campus, I want to say ‘Thank you’ to you.”

Today, the college is one of California’s top schools for transfers to local universities, including the CSU and UC system, USC, Art Center College of Design, Caltech, and more.

The college, designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 1990, offers four associate degrees, 116 certificate programs and 34 transfer majors across 11 academic divisions.

PCC’s curriculum spans 83 areas of study, including business, psychology, nursing and computer science. Over 51% of the student body identifies as Hispanic or Latinx.

As a Hispanic-serving institution, PCC receives federal support to expand educational opportunities. 

PCC actively celebrates Latine culture through special events and lectures featuring notable speakers.

The college offers programs like the Puente Project for Latine students, ASCEND Promise Scholars for Men of Color and the Ujima Program for African-American students.

Support services include academic counseling, tutoring and career guidance. The Robert G. Freeman Center provides career development resources and connects students with employers through job fairs and industry panels.

The Shatford Library offers books, research materials, computers and study spaces to support student learning.

Community engagement remains a priority for PCC. The Center for the Arts hosts over 100 public events annually, featuring student, faculty and guest performances.

As students return to the college’s campuses on Colorado Blvd., on Foothill Blvd., and at John Muir High School, residents can expect increased traffic. As part of its effort to encourage sustainability, PCC offers a free shuttle service and discounted public transit passes. The college enforces 24/7 parking regulations, with daily permits available for $2 and semester permits for $64.

Local residents can participate in college activities, including cultural events, sports matches and workshops. The community is invited to join in the college’s Centennial Celebration at a special 100th birthday party on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. For more information, visit the college website.