Laney College: Reaching Out Across the Bay

In 2023, Laney continues to act on the realization that it needs to go out into the community so that the community will attend Laney. Over the past few months, Dr. Lawrence Vanhook has taken on a community outreach role that has had the College present in various parts of Oakland, while the efforts of countless others have Laney telling its story and promoting opportunities that come with a college education in new places.

Laney College Awarded $1.4 million MESA Program Grant

Laney is honored to be selected to offer a Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program. With the funds received from the state totaling more than a million dollars, we will be able to provide tutoring and counseling services to many students in underrepresented communities, as well as others in these fields. Students will receive a strong foundation on which to build successful futures. We are proud to launch this initiative, which will be a collaboration with Merritt College under the terms of the grant. Special thanks to Dean of Math & Sciences Angel Fuentes Figueroa for his leadership in the successful application!

Laney Puente, Latinx Students/Colleagues Celebrate with Dia de Gracias, End of Semester Events

Tuesday, November 22 was a great day at Laney College, as the Puente Program gathered to have its own Dia de Gracias as an advance celebration of the coming holiday. The event was attended by around 30 students, alumni, family members, and Laney colleagues, giving it the richness of true Puente events. Special thanks to Counseling Faculty Member Laura Gomez-Contreras and Professor Maya Chinchilla, under the leadership of Associate Dean Gary Albury, for a great event and energizing this critical program. Thanks to their efforts, what was once a cohort with barely 5 students a few years ago is now becoming a program full of students.

Laney Employees, Students, Childcare Staff Make Halloween Special

On October 31, 2022, student government members (ASLC) and College employees hosted a Halloween event for children in the Laney Childcare Center. Roughly 70 kids participated in the parade and games that were held at the Laney Bistro. There were decorated tables with treats supported by different Laney & District departments.

Laney College, OUSD, City of Oakland Collaborate for October 6 Manufacturing Day Event

In partnership with OUSD, the City of Oakland’s Economic Development Dept, Laney helped organize a full day of activities for the high school students as they got a first-hand look at industry partners and our great campus.

Laney College Supports System-Impacted Students, Prospective Students with On-Campus Event

On Wednesday, Laney College’s state-renowned Restoring Our Communities Program (ROC) hosted a Clean Slate Clinic in the upper E-Quad on campus where our Learning Communities are located. This event is one of many derived from a partnership with the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office and was attended by roughly 30 people, both students, and future students, who learned about the College, the ROC program, and expungement opportunities.

Enrollment by Ethnicity Distribution: September 2022 (left) vs January 2022 (right)

Students at Laney College: 14 More% This Fall!

Five weeks in, and the momentum has not stopped! Laney College student numbers continued to climb throughout September. As of the 22nd, 14% more students (1249) had enrolled in classes than the previous year, and the College had generated 8% more Full-Time Equivalent Students (FTES). More importantly, roughly 1200 more students have applied for Financial Aid than in Fall 2021, making investments in their education that are more likely to continue in future semesters and school years.

Laney Experiences Fall Enrollment Boost

Fueled by the Fall is Free campaign and buttressed by an unprecedented level of employee collaboration during the Summer, Laney College has seen its fall enrollment increase by 11% from the previous year despite a schedule that, by the same comparison, was 8% smaller.

Laney Launches Fall is Free Campaign to Cover Most College Costs

On July 12, Laney College officially launched its Fall is Free campaign, which covers the cost of tuition, textbooks, bus passes, WiFi hot spots, lunch, and more for students who complete their FAFSA application for financial aid.

40% of Laney CalWorks Students Make Honor Roll

Graduation may be over, but Laney faculty, staff, and administrators are still celebrating the student success that was cultivated during the spring semester. CalWorks Program Coordinator, Cynthia Alvarado, boasted a big smile when she informed the Public Information Office that 40% of her students made the honor roll, which is a major increase from the typical one to two students.