About the College
For a century, San José City College (SJCC) has provided educational and career pathways to generations of families living in California's third-largest city. Since its establishment in 1921, SJCC has adapted to the rapid changes that have transformed the Valley of Hearts Delight into Silicon Valley, a major driver of the state and global economy.
San José Junior College (as it was known then) was born out of an agreement between San José High School and San José State Teachers College (now San José State University). The collaboration provided high school students with pathways to four-year colleges and direct paths to jobs in agricultural, manufacturing, and other industries.
From 1921 to 1923, San José High School housed the Junior College in unused classrooms. San José State then anchored the Junior College from 1923 to 1953. San José Unified School District (SJUSD) assumed control of the College's operation in 1953, moving it to its present Moorpark Avenue location. In 1958, SJUSD changed the name to San José City College.
A faculty-led effort resulted in a special election that established the independent San José Junior College District in 1963. After a Citizens' Advisory Committee study, the District's second campus, Evergreen Valley College, opened near the eastern foothills in 1975 with an enrollment of 3,000 students. In 1986, the District was renamed as San José -Evergreen Community College District. Currently, SJCC enrolls more than 15,000 students annually, compared to its first enrollment of 86 in 1921.
SJCC has always provided career education pathways designed to prepare students for the in-demand job skills required to compete in the Valley’s vibrant and ever-changing economy. Historically, SJCC has been an educational and career lifeline during the Valley’s economic downturns.
A diverse array of Associate Degrees and Associate Degrees for Transfer provide core general education and major courses required for successful transfer to public and private four-year colleges and universities.
The College offers a variety of Associate Degrees and certificate programs leading directly to workplace readiness and gainful employment. During the 2021-2022 academic year, the College awarded 1,451 associate degrees and 1,006 certificates. The diverse student body reflects the changing demographics of California's various racial/ethnic groups: 5% African American, 27.2% Asian, 10.1% Caucasian, 48% Hispanic, ~.2% Native American, ~.3% Pacific Islander, 4% Multiracial, and 5.3% Unknown. Comprehensive programs and services support the diversity of the community, of which SJCC is so rightfully proud.