News Release
Lisa Fitch, Public Relations Specialist
(323) 953-4000 ext. 2375 
fitchlo@lacitycollege.edu
February 19, 2009
 

State Budget Preserves Access to LACC
School Sees a Fourteen Percent Enrollment Growth Over Last Spring

California Community College students, faculty and staff are grateful for this morning’s legislative approval of a state budget plan, as the two-year institutions face record enrollments from students who either cannot access four-year universities or are returning to school after losing their jobs.

“This ‘budget fix’ reflects the Governor and legislature’s support of our colleges,” Los Angeles City College President Dr. Jamillah Moore said.

“We are grateful that they realized access to college is a priority and that so many careers depend on the work we do here.”

More than one-third of the students who enrolled this semester at LACC have been away from the books for more than a year, but now they’re back to enhance their education.

“I first came here in 1982, but because of a family illness, I quit so I could work full time and support my family,” student Ramona Smith said. 

A mother of six, Smith plans to transfer to USC after graduating from LACC. “I will be the first person in my family to get a college degree,” she smiled.

LACC had 18,181 students taking classes as of February 15, the second week of the spring semester – up 14 percent from last spring’s enrollment.  Much of the increase is triggered by the economy. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in L. A. County increased to 9.9 percent in December 2008.

 “They appreciate that we are close by, offer quality education and we’re affordable,” she added.  “We believe student access equals student success.”

Located at the Vermont Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd. Redline Metro Rail stop, LACC offers a wide variety of short-term, on-line, evening and weekend, vocational and transfer classes year-round.  For more information, call 1.888.930.LACC or visit www.lacitycollege.edu. 

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