JULY 2026

Welcome to 4CD Community News, an online newsletter designed to provide news and information to our greater community. The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) encompasses three colleges: Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College in Pittsburg and Brentwood.  

Los Medanos College employees, family, and friends showed their LMC pride at the Brentwood 4th of July parade.

4CD Opens Doors to Global Learning with Study Abroad Program

 

Did you know that 4CD offers a semester-long study abroad program? The Contra Costa Community College District is part of a consortium that offers one trip in the fall and one trip in the spring. These experiences are open to all students ages 18+ who have completed at least 12 college units and carry a minimum 2.25 GPA. 


The program brings together students and faculty from four Northern California college districts for a three-month overseas experience. Each college district typically sends about 20 students, who live locally, take at least four in-person classes (12 units), and spend their free time exploring the region. All of the courses, regardless of the host country, are taught in English.  


Last spring, 26 4CD students traveled to Florence, Italy, where they studied subjects such as Italian Life and Culture, Astronomy of the Solar System, History of Medieval and Renaissance Art, and Introduction to Digital Photography. 


“It's such a unique opportunity to stand in front of an architectural masterpiece, an artwork, or a historic site and understand it more deeply through direct experience,” said Diablo Valley College Professor of Art and Photography Nicole White. “Being physically present transforms the learning process, and students come away with a much richer understanding from spending time moving through and around the places we're discussing.” 


Read the full article to learn more about the program and find the application details and deadline for the spring 2027 trip.

Photo credit: Nicole White

CCC Unveils New Compass Center Designed to Provide Students with Resources and Support

Contra Costa College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 16 to celebrate its new Compass Center – a welcoming space where students can connect with food resources, basic needs support, referrals, and care.


The new center includes several student-focused spaces and resources, including:


  • A student lounge and study space
  • The campus food pantry
  • A student-parent study area with kids toys and a safe play space
  • A partner space in the back of the center for community partners and rotating support services


In addition, a new nursing parent pod is available on the first floor of the General Education Building.


Special thanks to the Contra Costa College Foundation for their support and partnership in helping bring this space to life for students.

Pictured here: CCC Basic Needs Program Coordinator Hope Dixon (far left), Dean of Student Services Dr. George Mills (far right), and students cut the ribbon. Pictured above: CCC President Dr. Kimberly Rogers addresses the crowd.

CCC to Host Annual Golf Tournament Benefitting Foster Youth


Join the Contra Costa College community for a day of friendly competition and purpose at the 4th Annual Dr. George G. Mills Jr. Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser supporting foster youth through education.


Hosted by CCC's Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)/NextUp, this annual event raises funds for the Dr. George G. Mills Jr. Scholarship, which provides direct financial support to current and former foster youth pursuing higher education.


The tournament takes place Saturday, Aug. 22 at Tilden Park Golf Course in Berkeley. Participants can enjoy a welcoming day on the course along with raffles, contests, and prizes—all while making a meaningful impact.


Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps remove barriers to college success and empowers students to focus on their goals.


Learn more and register.

Register Now for Fall Classes


The fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 24. Enroll now to advance your educational and career goals, or take classes for personal enrichment.


Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College offer in-person, hybrid, and fully online courses – more than 3,500 class offerings each semester! Find a pathway that is right for you.


Register today!

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Contra Costa Community College District | 500 Court Street | Martinez, CA 94553 US