On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon returned to her roots with a message of perseverance and possibility during a visit to the digital fabrication laboratories at Laney College and College of Alameda. While visiting, she announced a combined $250,000 investment to support innovation, student success, and workforce development across the two campuses.

An alumna of the Peralta Community College District, Congresswoman Simon reflected on her own educational journey, reminding students, faculty, and community members that success is not always achieved on a traditional timeline. Sharing that it took her 12 years to complete her education, she encouraged students to embrace their individual paths and remain committed to their goals. She emphasized:

“I was a community college student for maybe seven years. I got to undergrad at Mills College - it took me 12 years to finish my undergraduate education. The point of a community college education is to not just pass the class, but to understand who you are in connection with community.”

The $250,000 donation will strengthen the colleges' digital fabrication laboratories, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and preparing students with the technical skills needed for today's evolving workforce. The investment reflects a continued commitment to ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge technology and career-focused educational experiences.

(Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson, President Dr. Rebecca Opsata, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, President Melanie Dixon, and fellow executive leadership and faculty)

Peralta Community College District Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson expressed gratitude for Congresswoman Simon's support and emphasized that the funding will help expand innovative learning opportunities that empower students to succeed. She exclaimed:

“This investment will help strengthen the work underway at Laney College and College of Alameda, providing students with access to the tools, experiences, and opportunities they need to become the next generations of builders, creators, innovators, and leaders in our community. So, Congresswoman Simon, I know this is the beginning. Thank you for your partnership and for believing in the power of our students, our colleges, and the east bay. We are deeply grateful for your support.”

Laney College President Dr. Rebecca Opsata followed Chancellor Gilkerson mentioning the college had 15,000 students that came to the new lab and hundreds of them returned back to continue using the space. She thanked Congresswoman Lateefah Simon with a special gift to show deep appreciation.

College of Alameda President Melanie Dixon echoed those sentiments, noting that the investment represents more than financial support - it is an investment in students' futures. She spoke about the exciting work that can continue through these new resources, allowing the college to enhance its digital fabrication programs, strengthen industry partnerships, and create additional pathways to high-demand careers. She declared, “This investment is more than funding. It is a powerful vote of confidence in our students, our educators, and our transformative role the community colleges play in preparing the workforce for tomorrow.”

While visiting both campuses, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon engaged with both high school and college students who are a part of the programs. She went on a tour of the labs, learned about the different kinds of equipment that is used to produce their finished projects, and even listened to the concerns and aspirations of students and faculty who take pride in their program. For Congresswoman Simon, the visits weren’t just about the donation or a political campaign, but the opportunity to understand the value of the digital fabrication labs, especially in today’s technologically advanced climate. The visit was an opportunity to connect with and uplift students, faculty, and educational leaders in the Peralta Community College District community, and to show solidarity for the mission and values of our college district. 

Thank you to the Office of Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, Alameda Post, KTVU, and NBC Bay Area for your invaluable media support and consideration for the Peralta Community College District. 

If you are interested in learning more about digital fabrication at either Laney College or College of Alameda, please visit laney.edu/fablab or alameda.edu/fablab

Watch the full press conference on our YouTube channel and check out our photo gallery here.