Laney College Hosts Young Adult Program Art Exhibition

Laney College hosted a Fall 2025 art exhibition featuring students from Oakland Unified School District’s Young Adult Program (YAP), transforming the Tower Lobby into a vibrant gallery space through December 12. The exhibition showcased work from Frederico Alvarado’s Fundamentals of Painting course and highlighted the creativity, growth, and expressive voices of participating students.

The Young Adult Program, part of OUSD’s Special Education Department, supports students in building independence and confidence through dual enrollment opportunities. At Laney, YAP students participate in Art Department courses that contribute toward an Art certificate pathway.

This collaboration is supported by OUSD and Laney leaders, including Jake Hall, Principal of the Young Adult Program; David Cammarata, OUSD Administrator for Special Education; and Dr. Nathan Failing, SAS Counselor/Coordinator at Laney College, who assists students in navigating dual enrollment and connecting coursework to future goals.

The exhibition has been warmly received by the campus community and reflects Laney College’s commitment to inclusive education, creative expression, and strong partnerships that expand access to college experiences for all learners.

Laney College & Peralta CCD Honor the Legacy of Coach John Beam

On December 10, 2025, Laney College and the Peralta Community College District hosted Light the Path, Light the Field: A Luminaria Walk Honoring the Legacy of Coach John Beam, bringing together hundreds of students, alumni, employees, family members, and community leaders for an evening of remembrance and reflection.

The program featured musical performances by Portraits of Unity and Tachetta Henry, followed by reflections from Laney College President Dr. Rebecca Opsata; Laney Football Coach Josh Ramos; Laney employees and former students Sakai Metcalf and Tania Mitchell; Beam family member Tish Gallegos; Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee; and Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District.

Speakers shared personal stories highlighting Coach Beam’s role as a mentor, advocate, and guiding force for generations of young people across Laney College and the greater Oakland community.

Following the program, attendees participated in a luminaria walk from the Laney campus to the football stadium, symbolically retracing the journey Coach Beam walked with students—from learning and mentorship to teamwork and community building. At the stadium, luminaria were arranged to spell the word “BELIEVE,” reflecting Coach Beam’s enduring message to students: “I believe in you, so you can believe in yourself.” The evening concluded with a tribute video on the stadium scoreboard and a drone light show.

The event was a powerful and emotional tribute, underscoring Coach Beam’s lasting legacy and the deep gratitude of the Laney and Peralta communities for his lifelong commitment to students, equity, and opportunity.

Laney College Hosts Spring 2026 Express Enrollment Event

Laney College will host a Spring 2026 Express Enrollment Event on Saturday, January 17, 2026, providing prospective and returning students with one-stop support to prepare for the new semester. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on campus and is designed to streamline the enrollment process.

Students will receive in-person assistance from the Welcome Center, Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Counseling, and Tech Support, with opportunities to complete applications, pay fees, and get enrollment questions answered in a single visit. Campus tours, light refreshments, music, and student support services will also be available.

Express Enrollment reflects Laney College’s commitment to reducing barriers, increasing access, and helping students start the semester prepared and confident.