Contact: Juliet V. Casey, jcasey@losmedaonos.edu, (925) 473-7322
Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College (LMC) is proud to announce that it has earned state designation as a Black-Serving Institution, a recognition that underscores the college’s longstanding commitment to advancing Black student success, equity, and belonging within higher education.
This designation reflects LMC’s leadership in creating programs, resources, and initiatives that empower Black students to thrive academically and personally.
BJ Snowden, interim executive director of the CSU Central Office for the Advancement of Black Students Success credited LMC for its ongoing efforts, which have “helped shape a more just and responsive educational landscape for Black students across California.”
LMC serves a diverse student population in which 13.5 percent identify as Black or African American. The college also has federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institution.
“Being recognized as a Black-Serving Institution is both an honor and a responsibility,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “Every student deserves access to opportunities that support their success. We will continue to build opportunities and support that uplift and celebrate the voices and contributions of Black students, so they thrive while pursuing their education here at LMC and once they transfer to 4-yer universities and as they enter their career pathways.”
LMC is among the first cohort of state community colleges to earn the designation, LMC Vice President of Student Services Tanisha Maxwell said. “Black student success is a college-wide effort and priority that is conducive to transforming the lives of the collective community that we serve,” she said.
LMC’s work includes culturally responsive curriculum, mentorship programs, student leadership development, and community partnerships that promote Black excellence and achievement. These efforts are part of the college’s broader mission to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the heart of its educational practices.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.