AUGUST 2026

Students are back on campus at all 4CD colleges! Fall term began on Aug. 24. Have a great year, Comets, Mustangs, and Vikings!

Colleges Support Student Success at Every Stage

Whether students are returning to college, balancing work and family responsibilities, transitioning from military service, or pursuing higher education for the first time, our colleges offer a comprehensive network of support services designed to help them succeed.

Across all three colleges, students have access to academic counseling, educational planning, tutoring, transfer assistance, career services, financial aid guidance, and disability accommodations. Additional programs support veterans, foster youth, student parents, low-income students, and those participating in Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), and other equity-focused initiatives.

Students can also benefit from basic needs resources, including food pantries on every campus, wellness services, leadership opportunities, clubs and organizations, and personalized support that helps them navigate the challenges of balancing education with work and personal commitments.

Together, the colleges of the Contra Costa Community College District are committed to creating welcoming, supportive environments that help all students achieve their educational and career goals.

Visit the college websites to learn more: 

Contra Costa College Student Services

Diablo Valley College Student Services

Los Medanos College Student Services

Financial Aid Resources Available, FAFSA Deadline is Sept. 2

Getting a college education at one of the three community colleges in Contra Costa County can be affordable – and, in some cases, free! - thanks to a variety of financial assistance programs.  

4CD and its three colleges are encouraging students to complete the universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Sept. 2 priority deadline to maximize applicants’ chances of receiving the best possible state and federal financial aid package. 

The FAFSA application allows students to qualify for multiple sources of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. 

The FAFSA may be completed online.

In addition to federal aid, state and institution-based financial aid is available to FAFSA applicants. These funds include: Cal Grant, California Community College Promise Grant, Student Success Completion Grant, and grants/scholarships from the individual college.  

California also offers state financial aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), which allows students to qualify for state and institutional financial aid. The deadline for completing the CADAA is also Sept. 2.

Students who miss the Sept. 2 priority deadline are still encouraged to submit the application. 

FREE TUITION

4CD also offers free tuition (for up to two academic years) to students who enroll in a minimum of 12 units each term. Students must be California residents or otherwise exempt from paying non-resident tuition fees. They also must complete the FAFSA or CADAA for the current academic year.  

The Full-Time Free Tuition Program waives the $46 per unit enrollment/tuition fees at 4CD colleges. Other programs are available to help students with free or no-cost textbooks. 

Learn more.

LMC Opens Grant Opportunity for East County Nonprofits

Los Medanos College, in partnership with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, has opened the 2026 request for proposals for the East Contra Costa County Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative, a public-private partnership intended to strengthen nonprofits and community leadership in the region. The funding opportunity comes as local nonprofits face growing demand while receiving fewer resources than their counterparts in neighboring Bay Area counties.

The initiative this year provides $240,000 in sub-grants to support the organizational capacity for local nonprofits, including projects to improve organizational effectiveness, sustainability, leadership, infrastructure and paid internships that build the workforce pipeline. Depending on applications, the initiative may award at least 12 sub-grants of $10,000 to $20,000.

The application portal is now open.

Learn more.

2025-26 Academic Year Data Now Available

The District's latest demographic data is now available through the annual 4CD fact sheet, as well as on the Research department's Quick Facts page, which features additional information about student outcomes.

The fact sheet highlights each college's demographic data as well as the District's strategic goals and information about the number of classes, degrees, certificates offered, and overall economic benefit.

LMC Alumni, Friends Invited to Football Game Aug. 29

The Los Medanos College Foundation is hosting a "Night at the Game" this Saturday, Aug. 29.

All Mustangs, alumni, neighbors and friends are invited to come out to cheer on the mighty Mustangs - reigning 2025 Golden State Bowl Champions - as they take the field against the Blue Devils of Merced College.

The game is set for 6 p.m. at Mustang Stadium, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg.

Go, Mustangs!

Fall and Spring Theater Shows Announced

The Drama departments at Contra Costa College and Diablo Valley College have announced their shows for the 2026-27 season.

CCC will kick off its season with "Attack of the Zombies," which runs Oct. 16-25 at the Knox Center. The spring show will be "Esno White," written and directed by CCC Professor and Dramatic Arts Department Chair Carlos-Manuel Chavarria.

DVC will feature "Clue," running Oct. 23-Nov. 8. Other shows at DVC this season include "Lost Girl," "Urinetown," and "The Comedy of Errors."

Tickets are on sale now!

CCC Theatre

DVC Drama

Stay tuned for information about LMC's shows.

Learn, Grow, and Connect through DVC's Community Education Non-Credit Courses

Diablo Valley College is proud to provide enriching opportunities through its Community Education program. These not-for-credit classes are designed for fun, growth, and personal development, catering to learners of all ages and interests.  

Explore the Offerings  

• Diverse Classes: Dive into Arts & Crafts, Fitness & Sports, Writing, and more.  
• For All Ages: From kids to adults, there’s something for everyone.  
• Convenient Locations: Join us at DVC’s Pleasant Hill or San Ramon campus.  
• Year-Round Learning: Classes are offered every Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Learn more and register now.