Laney Supports Oakland Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Bazaar
Laney College served as a Bronze-level sponsor of the Oakland Chinatown 34th Lunar New Year Bazaar, celebrating the Year of the Horse on January 31–February 1, 2026. The two-day community festival featured lion dances, live entertainment, food, art, and family-friendly activities in Oakland’s Chinatown.
Through this sponsorship, Laney College demonstrated its continued commitment to community engagement, cultural celebration, and partnerships that strengthen ties between the college and Oakland residents. Interim President Opsata spoke to the crowd during the opening ceremony and thanked Chinatown residents for their support, and invited them to investigate classes and programs at the college.
Umoja at Eagle Village Hosts “Divine Nine” Community Conversation
Umoja at Eagle Village hosted “Divine Nine,” an educational community conversation on February 3, 2026, bringing students and staff together to learn about the history, purpose, and distinctions among historically Black Greek-letter organizations. The event provided an inclusive space for dialogue, cultural learning, and campus connection, reinforcing Laney College’s commitment to community building and student engagement.
Laney Eagles Women’s Basketball Celebrates Final Home Game of the Season
Laney College will host a celebration for the Women’s Basketball team’s final home game of the season on February 17, bringing students and employees together in support of Eagle athletics. The event, hosted by the ASLC and the President’s Office, includes a pre-game gathering with free food and drinks on the Quad, encouraging campus pride and community engagement. Attendees are invited to wear Laney gear and cheer on the Eagles as the team closes out the home schedule in front of the campus community.
Laney College Celebrates Vocational ESOL Graduates & Workforce Pathways
Laney College recently celebrated graduates from its Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) program, which integrates English instruction with workplace skills to support immigrant and refugee students in preparing for employment and college success. District colleague Jamille Teer attended the December 2025 graduation ceremony alongside Dean Beth Maher and described the event as a powerful and moving experience that highlighted the resilience and determination of Laney students.
The ceremony brought together students and instructors Cheryl Eccles and Sarah Shaffer from Laney’s ESOL department, along with Danny Lopez, who teaches workplace mathematics. Graduates represented communities from around the world, including Afghanistan, Mexico, Colombia, and Eritrea, with personal journeys reflecting perseverance, hope, and a commitment to education as a pathway to opportunity. Dean Maher shared that Laney delivers the noncredit College Readiness program at the Lao Family Community Development Center through an Alameda County–funded partnership with Lao Family Community Resources.
The program offers cohort-based instruction focused on introducing newcomers to the U.S. college system and providing pre-employment language and technology skills, alongside wrap-around services such as job placement, housing, and legal support.
Laney College Data Science Program Ranked #12 Nationally
Laney College’s Associate of Science in Data Science has earned national recognition, ranking #12 in TechGuide’s 2026 Best Associate in Data Science Programs. The ranking places Laney among leading institutions nationwide and highlights the program’s strong outcomes in preparing students for careers in analytics, technology, and related fields. TechGuide’s evaluation is based on IPEDS data reported to the U.S. Department of Education and includes student-focused metrics such as class size, faculty support, financial aid availability, graduation outcomes, and enrollment.
Laney’s Data Science program is housed in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) Department, co-chaired by Johnnie Williams and Kim Bridges, and emphasizes hands-on learning, academic support, and clear transfer and workforce pathways. Courses and degrees are also offered through the Math Department, where faculty member Derrick Smith teaches Math 118: Foundations in Data Science— aligned with UC Berkeley’s Data Science major and supporting transfer goals. Students gain experience working with real-world data in the CIS and Math Labs and may pursue certificates or associate degrees designed for either transfer or direct entry into the workforce. This national recognition reflects Laney College’s commitment to high-quality, career-focused instruction and its growing leadership in preparing students for high-demand data and technology careers.
Laney College Welcomes Students with Spring 2026 Welcome Week
Laney College hosted a three-day Spring 2026 Welcome Week series January 20–22, bringing students together to explore campus resources, student leadership opportunities, and support services. The series reinforced Laney’s commitment to student engagement, belonging, and a strong start to the semester. Events included opportunities to meet the Associated Students of Laney College, learn about clubs and governance, connect with the Basic Needs Center, Undocumented Resource Center, Queer Community Center, and Wellness Center, and discover community-wide supports.
Laney College Hosts Clean Slate Legal Clinic
Laney College hosted a Clean Slate Clinic on February 4, 2026, providing eligible current and former Peralta students with legal support related to clearing or reducing past Alameda County convictions. Services included record dismissal, Proposition 47 and 64 relief, probation termination, certificates of rehabilitation, and other qualifying assistance. The clinic reflects Laney’s continued efforts to remove barriers to education and employment while supporting student success.
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Becky Opsata, Laney College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. To view it as a PDF, click here.
