On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAAA) proudly hosted its 17th Annual African/African American Graduation for the Peralta Community College District. The vibrant event, open to all, celebrated the rich tapestry of the African diaspora while honoring the remarkable achievements of graduates from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.
OAKLAND, CA – On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Peralta Community College District hosted its second annual district-wide Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Graduation Celebration, bringing together students, families, faculty, and staff from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College to honor the achievements of the graduating class of 2025.
Merritt College Hosts First-Ever Sneaker Ball
Merritt College closed out April and capped off California Community Colleges Black Student Success Week (BSSW) with our first-ever Sneaker Ball! The purpose of BSSW is to emphasize how institutions are supporting underserved students (including but not limited to Black and African American students), to ensure their success in community colleges and beyond.
Celebrating the Heart of Laney – Employee Appreciation Day 2025
Laney College held its annual Employee Appreciation Day on Friday, April 18, bringing together faculty, student workers, administrators, and classified professionals for an afternoon of recognition and celebration at the Laney Fieldhouse.
Years of Service Celebration
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the college community came together to celebrate the countless years employees have contributed to the lives of students and the unwavering commitment CoA has to the community.
On May 9, 2025, Laney College hosted its annual EOPS/CARE/NextUP/CalWORKs Awards Celebration at Preservation Park in Oakland, honoring students whose academic journeys have been supported by these transformative programs. Held under the theme "Unity, Collaboration, Innovation: Strengthening Bridges for Student Success," the event celebrated perseverance, community, and educational achievement.
Laney College is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement by The Citizen’s co-editor in chief, Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, who has been selected as one of only three national IRE/ProPublica fellows. The prestigious fellowship includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Conference this June in New Orleans, where Lylah will join a select group of journalists from across the country.
Meet Hameed Alghaithi, a Berkeley City College student following his dreams with the help of EOPS!
The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program designed to provide support services to low-income and academically-disadvantaged students to become successful in college. EOPS is available to assist students with support services like early registration, academic counseling, career guidance, tutoring, book grants, transfer assistance, and tons more.
Nani Perry shares her supportive experience from Umoja Community, which focuses on the African American Diaspora and others who are interested in the African American Diaspora. She states that Umoja provides students with college tours, conferences, and resources, and helps students choose their classes.
