Our Values, Vision, Mission and History

Vision:

To be a beacon of excellence in learning and equitable student success.

Mission:

To transform lives by providing outstanding learning opportunities, nurturing and empowering all students to achieve their educational goals.

History:

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) was founded by a public vote in December 1948 and first opened its doors in 1949. It is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California, with three colleges and two centers. Contra Costa College is located in San Pablo. Diablo Valley College is located in Pleasant Hill and has a Center in San Ramon. Los Medanos College is located in Pittsburg and also has a Center in Brentwood. 4CD serves a population of 1,165,927 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District Office is located in historic downtown Martinez.

4CD is governed by an elected five-member Governing Board who serve four-year terms. A student trustee, elected by students districtwide, also sits on the Governing Board and serves a one-year term on a rotational basis among the Colleges. The Chancellor, appointed by the Governing Board, carries out the policies of 4CD.

For over 70 years, our institutions have been a vital part of Contra Costa County. Young and old alike are encouraged to take advantage of an incomparable array of educational choices, including studies leading to an associate degree, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, short-term training to update professional skills, and specialized vocational and technical training programs — many in partnership with local businesses and industry — to help build a strong workforce in Contra Costa County.