Los Angeles Pierce College: A Comprehensive Overview

Los Angeles Pierce College, often called Pierce College, is a two-year public community college located in Woodland Hills, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. As part of the Los Angeles Community College District, Pierce College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The college provides opportunities for transfer education, occupational training, and lifelong learning.

A Rich History and Legacy

Pierce College started on September 15, 1947, with 70 students and 18 faculty members. Originally named the Clarence W. Pierce School of Agriculture, its primary focus was crop cultivation and animal husbandry. In 1956, the school was renamed Los Angeles Pierce Junior College, honoring its founder, Dr. Pierce, and his dedication to agricultural and veterinary studies. True to its origins, Pierce still maintains large sections of tillable and range land, preserving an agricultural enclave within a suburban environment.

Academic Excellence and Transfer Opportunities

Pierce College is a comprehensive institution offering an astounding 145 disciplines and 85 academic degree programs to a diverse student body. The college offers courses in over 100 subjects across 92 academic disciplines and maintains transfer alliances with most universities in the state. Many students transfer to the University of California system, the California State University system, and private universities to earn bachelor's degrees. Pierce College boasts one of the highest transfer rates in Southern California, with honors students rarely being denied admission to UCLA.

With year-round class offerings in 15, eight, and five-week formats-available in person, online, or as hybrid options-students can move more quickly through the curriculum. The college combines academic excellence with a friendly and helpful faculty and staff, fostering a student-friendly environment that offers high-quality, challenging education to prepare students for university or vocational work.

Campus Life and Resources

Located on 426 acres in the western San Fernando Valley, adjacent to the Warner Center business district, Pierce College blends state-of-the-art technology and learning with the natural beauty of its rolling hills. The campus, larger than many university campuses (including UCLA), features over 2,200 trees, thousands of roses, and a 1.9-acre botanical garden.

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Pierce College offers a wide array of student services, including:

Associated Students Organization
Bookstore
Brahma Pantry and Basic Needs
CalWORKS
Career and Transfer Center
Center for Academic Success (tutoring)
Child Development Center
Counseling
Disabled Students Programs and Services
Dream Center
Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS)
First Year Experience
Honors Transfer Program
PACE (Program for Accelerated College Education)
Student Health Center
Umoja Community
Veteran's Resource Center

The college also has ten active men's and women's athletics teams, known as the Brahmas, competing in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA).

Modernization and Sustainability

Pierce College has modernized its facilities, with the Center for the Sciences, Student Services Building, College Services Building, Child Development Center, and Library Learning Crossroads serving as vibrant centers for student learning and support.

The college is committed to sustainability, featuring a 191-kilowatt solar generation system with 1,274 photovoltaic panels and a 360-kilowatt natural gas co-generation system. This system yields approximately 4.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 1,500 tons. Additionally, a water retention pond beneath the soccer field collects runoff from the adjacent parking lot.

Unique Features and Attractions

The campus is home to Old Trapper's Lodge, California Historical Landmark No. 939.5, an outsider art environment created by John Ehn (1897-1981). This unique attraction showcases Ehn's vision of the Old West through personal experiences, myths, and tall tales.

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The Pierce College Farm covers 226 acres and includes several units for animals. Each April, the Foundation for Pierce College hosts Farmwalk, an outdoor festival with animals, activities, displays, games, and music. The Farm Center, a 32-acre parcel at the corner of Victory Boulevard and De Soto Avenue, is operated in partnership with the McBroom family. In October, the Foundation sponsors an annual Harvest Festival featuring pumpkins grown on the farm, a 5-mile corn maze, rock climbing, games, rides, a petting zoo, live music, and Halloween attractions.

Pierce College also serves as a Los Angeles County large animal emergency evacuation center. During the 2007 Southern California fires, the college sheltered and fed over 150 horses.

Weather Station

The Pierce College weather station, founded on July 1, 1949, by Professor A. Lee Haines, is one of the oldest operational cooperative weather stations in the country. It was among the first to cooperate with the government in providing archived data online.

Accessibility and Transportation

Pierce College is accessible via the Metro G/Orange Line, with its own stop at the Pierce College station on Winnetka Avenue near Victory Boulevard.

Notable Alumni

Pierce College has a number of notable alumni.

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Financial Aid and the Los Angeles College Promise

For many students, tuition is free through the Los Angeles College Promise, which waives tuition fees and guarantees admission for first-time, full-time students. This program ensures students receive support in their journey to complete a higher education degree or certificate, regardless of their financial situation. Students can also take advantage of various financial aid opportunities, including federal, state, and local grants, fee waivers, federal work-study, and loans.

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