Modesto Junior College, one of the oldest community colleges in the state, was organized in 1921 to serve the first junior college district established under a State Legislature Enabling Act.
Modesto Junior College was established to meet the needs of the community. Today the college strives to maintain the same objective--that of dedication and service to the community.
The College began with a charter enrollment of 61 students. Through the years registration has increased until today more than 16,000 day and evening students are enrolled. In addition, more than 9,000 community participants take advantage of the ever-growing Community Education program.
To complement student growth, the campus, too, has grown. The college holds the distinction of having erected the first junior college classroom building in the state. From this modest beginning, MJC has grown until it now provides an outstanding learning environment on two sites: the original MJC-East on College Avenue and MJC-West on Blue Gum Avenue northwest of Modesto. In addition to the two sites, more than 20 community sites are used to meet particular educational needs .
The area boundaries have also changed. In 1964, by action of the electorate, the boundaries were enlarged to include nearly 4,000 square miles, encompassing high school districts in Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties, the Ripon High School District in San Joaquin County, the Gustine and Hilmar High School Districts in Merced County and the Harney Elementary School District in Santa Clara County. The district also includes the Bret Harte Union High School District, the former Copperopolis Elementary School District and the former Salt Spring Valley Elementary School District in Calaveras County.
A Board of Trustees was elected in 1964 to govern the affairs of the expanded district. In 1965 the name Yosemite Junior College District was selected. It was later changed to Yosemite Community College District.
The Yosemite Community College District also includes Columbia College, located in Columbia, California.
