Welcome to the Peralta Colleges – we're glad you’re here!  Here's some info that might be useful in your first week of the Fall 2025 Semester.

OAKLAND, CA — In a bold step toward expanding access to union careers, Laney College—part of the Peralta Community College District—is offering students a direct pathway into high-demand construction trades through a new pre-apprenticeship program. Developed in partnership with the Alameda County Building Trades Council (ACBTC) and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), the program is already transforming lives and strengthening ties between education and labor.

On Thursday, August 7, the Peralta Colleges Office of International Education hosted its Fall 2025 Welcome Day for all international students across all four colleges. The event was held at Berkeley City College, and featured a speech from BCC president Dr. Denise Richardson, welcoming new and returning students to their home away from home at Peralta. The day was full of social activities as well as stations to inform students of the variety of resources available to them, such as transportation and enrollment assistance.

Meet Elizabeth Hernandez, Laney College EOPS alum, and admissions and records staff! Being a single parent is hard. Listen to Elizabeth's story on overcoming challenges, never giving up, and how EOPS helped her navigate a path to success and stability for her family!

A dedicated team of representatives from the Peralta Community College District recently journeyed to Southern California for the July ASCCC (Academic Senate for California Community Colleges) Curriculum Institute. Embracing a fitting Star Trek theme, the institute celebrated curriculum leaders who "go boldly... where no one has gone before" in their commitment to academic innovation.

Each of the Peralta Colleges held wonderful commencement ceremonies this year. Joe Sullivan from Peralta's marketing department put together this very nice highlights reel which Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson shared with the Board of Trustees during her Chancellor's Report on June 10, 2025.  Congratulations Class of 2025 Graduates!

The Laney College football field was a scene of immense pride and jubilation on May 23, 2025, as nearly 6,000 attendees gathered for the 2025 Laney College Commencement. The atmosphere was electrifying, celebrating the dedication and perseverance of the graduating class.

MESA Hosts Biotech Brunch at Laney Bistro

On May 2, 2025, Laney College’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program hosted a brunch at the Laney Bistro, bringing together STEM students, faculty, and members of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). The event provided a valuable opportunity for students interested in biotechnology and related fields to connect with professionals and peers.

On behalf of the Laney College Classified Senate, Peralta is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Rene Rivas Classified Senate Scholarship. Although Rene’s family could not attend the ceremony, they thoughtfully reviewed the applications and selected the awardees listed below. Each recipient was awarded a $500 scholarship to support their educational goals.