Laney College President’s Report – January 25, 2023

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!

One-Stop Saturday Boosts Spring Enrollment

Inclement weather did not stop the community from coming to Laney College and enrolling during One-Stop Saturday events on January 14 and 21. Prospective students arrived to campus with opportunities to register, see counselors, apply for FAFSA (thus qualifying for Spring is Free), visit Admissions and Records, pick up technology, visit the bookstore, and learn so much more about Laney’s campus life, learning communities, and class offerings. Members of the community, including the Oakland Rotary, also stopped by the event to lend their support for students. In fact, at the January 21st event, students were treated to breakfast from Laney Food Services as well as corndogs that came courtesy of the Oakland Rotary, which was also in attendance.

Thanks to all on the Laney team for planning and putting in work, which involved pivoting in the face of driving rain, to make both events a success!

Spring is Free continues to be a catalyst toward the enrollment resurgence at the College. As of the submission of this report, Laney College Spring enrollments are 10% higher than one year ago.

Laney College – an Open Door to the Community

Those visiting 900 Fallon Street over the past couple months have seen a campus that is open and promoting opportunities for both school and career. Whether it is hosting a visit with a community partner or putting on open-house style events, not even inclement weather can stop the true Eagle Spirit that has driven the College through its transformational 2022-23 school year. Some events we are proud to highlight include:

• December Visit of Students from Oakland Unified School District – Special thanks as always to Emiliano Sanchez, OUSD Director of CTE Trades and Apprentices, as well as our entire Laney team.
• OUSD was a guest at Laney on December 8 as area counselors, educational coordinators, transition liaisons and other K-12 leaders took part in a joint discussion around future efforts with outreach and matriculation of students to college. Roughly 30 OUSD and Laney colleagues joined forces to bolster future pathways and opportunities for Oakland’s high school students and eventual graduates. Special thanks to Kateri Dodds with OUSD as well as Laney Vice Presidents Marlon Hall and Becky Opsata for coordinating this crucial conversation.
• Women in Machining Panel Discussion – This December 9 event was the second in a series of Women in Trades events. Attendees numbered more than 30, and the event was supported by longtime Laney College partner East Bay Municipal Utility District. Earlier in the semester, a Women in Carpentry panel discussion had already been held. Many thanks to all at Laney and in our community for advancing opportunities for all who attend Laney, not only in the classroom but also the workplace.

This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Rudy Besikof, Laney College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. To view it as a pdf, click here.