Laney College

Today, Laney College celebrated the incredible Class of 2026 — a day filled with pride, resilience, joy, family, community, and well-earned accomplishments.

To our graduates: thank you for inspiring us with your determination, perseverance, leadership, creativity, and heart. Whether your next step is transferring, entering the workforce, continuing your education, or pursuing a dream years in the making — we are proud of you.

This celebration would not have been possible without the many faculty, classified professionals, administrators, student workers, volunteers, and campus partners who worked behind the scenes to support our students every step of the way.

A special thank you to our Student Services teams, whose dedication, guidance, and care serve as the backbone of the student experience at Laney College.

Today was more than a ceremony — it was a celebration of community, opportunity, and the power of education.

Congratulations, Eagles. The future is yours. 🦅✨

Did you know Laney College has a community garden along the estuary where Oakland’s immigrant communities grow vegetables, preserve traditions, and build connection? 🌱💚

For nearly two decades, the Laney Garden has evolved into a shared space where families from Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, and beyond cultivate crops used in their native dishes while creating community, healing, and belonging.

Today, the garden is supported through a partnership between Laney College and the Oakland Community Land Trust, helping preserve this unique space for hands-on learning, food production, and cultural connection.

“It’s so nice here,” shared gardener Anu Mapchan. “When I am working, I forget everything. It’s a good relaxing place… kind of meditation.”

Read the full story about the history, people, and future of the Laney Garden at the link in bio or visit: https://laney.edu/news/laney-garden-connects-with-oaklands-immigrant-communities 🌿

Science is happening at Laney. 🧪🔬

Inside Laney College’s Chemistry Department, students are preparing for careers in healthcare, research, engineering, pharmacy, environmental science, and beyond — all with hands-on learning, flexible class schedules, and supportive faculty who truly care.

From introductory chemistry to organic chemistry for pre-med students, Laney offers real pathways for transfer and career growth. Students transfer to schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Davis while building strong foundations in the sciences right here in Oakland.

The department also supports working students and nontraditional students with evening and Saturday classes, smaller lab environments, and access to advanced equipment and instruction.

Read more about Laney’s Chemistry Department, its transfer pathways, and the longtime impact of faculty members like Cheli Fossum and Bill Trego at: https://laney.edu/news/inside-laneys-chemistry-department

Ideas become real at the Laney FabLab ⚙️✨

Inside Laney College’s FabLab, students are designing, prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing, fabricating signs, and building projects using advanced digital fabrication tools—all with free access to equipment, software, materials, and training.

Whether you’re into engineering, art, design, manufacturing, or just like making cool stuff, the FabLab is a space to experiment, create, and bring ideas to life.

🛠️ Laser cutters
🖨️ Industrial-grade 3D printers
💡 CNC routers & fabrication tools
🤝 Hands-on support from FabLab staff

No experience needed—just curiosity and closed-toed shoes.

✨ Read more about the people, technology, and creativity inside Laney’s FabLab at the link in bio.

Congratulations to the incredible students recognized at today’s Laney College Transfer & Honors Ceremony! 🎓💚

This special celebration honored the hard work, resilience, leadership, and academic achievements of the Class of 2026 as they prepare for the next chapter of their journeys.

From scholarship recipients and Dean’s Medallion honorees to transfer students, honor students, the salutatorian, and valedictorian, today was a reminder of the talent and determination that make the Laney community so special.

Thank you to the faculty, staff, counselors, families, and friends who continue to support and uplift our students every step of the way.
And yes… the desserts disappeared quickly for a reason. 🍰

From Umoja student to Umoja counselor .

Dr. Kassie Phillips-Alexander’s journey at Laney College is a true full-circle story rooted in community, mentorship, and purpose.

Once a student searching for belonging and direction, she now serves as an Umoja Counselor at Laney—helping students navigate college, life challenges, and their own paths to success with care, accountability, and heart.

Born and raised in Oakland, Dr. Phillips-Alexander describes Laney as family—a place where she can give back to the same community that helped shape her journey.

Her story is a reminder that support systems matter, representation matters, and students deserve spaces where they are seen, challenged, and empowered to thrive.

✨ Read the full story: https://laney.edu/news/dr.-kassie-phillips-alexander-a-full-circle-umoja-journey

🔥 Sparks were flying at Laney College earlier this month!

Laney’s Welding Technology Department teamed up with the American Welding Society (AWS) to host a regional welding competition featuring students from Mission Valley ROP, Chabot College, Las Positas College, and Laney College.

Competitors showcased their skills in both:
⚙️ GMAW (MIG welding) — known for speed and production welding
⚙️ GTAW (TIG welding) — known for precision, control, and clean, detailed welds

And Laney showed out 👏
🏅 2nd & 3rd Place – GMAW
🏅 1st & 2nd Place – GTAW

The event also featured a presentation from UC Berkeley Engineering Professor Peter Hosemann on materials science and structural failure, bringing together skilled trades, engineering, and workforce development in one powerful event.

The future of welding is bright—and it’s being built right here at Laney. ⚙️🔥

Intro to Carpentry class - basic wall structure...

Here’s a basic wall structure — studs, bottom plate, interlocking double top plate, and sometimes Here’s a basic wall structure — studs, bottom plate, interlocking d...

⚙️🎭 Laney College Environmental Control Technology (ECT) students recently visited San Francisco’s historic War Memorial Opera House for a behind-the-scenes industry experience.

Sponsored by Johnson Controls and led by Local 39 Engineers, students explored the Building Automation Systems and Commercial HVACR systems that support large-scale live performances while gaining firsthand exposure to real-world career applications in Environmental Control Technology.

Experiences like these connect classroom learning to careers and help students see the many pathways available in the skilled trades and building systems industry.

More info: laney.edu/cte/environmental-control-technology