At first glance, Las Positas College looks like any other community college. But there’s something special about this campus. Students from across the Tri-Valley — and from other states, cities and countries — are choosing to travel to a campus tucked into Livermore’s hills. What draws them in isn’t a single superstar program, but a reputation built over time. LPC consistently ranks among the top community colleges nationally and in California, maintaining excellence despite ongoing fiscal challenges.
A strong, inclusive campus community has created a buzz louder than any marketing campaign. Behind rising enrollment and packed classes is a simple truth: LPC has become known as a caring, high-quality, community-driven college where students feel supported to succeed.
Much of that reputation comes from word-of-mouth. As enrollment rebounded after COVID-19, students and local residents shared their positive experiences. And word-of-mouth is the best marketing tool a college can have. As more students share their positive experiences, the word spreads — and LPC continues to build on that momentum.
Looking closer, it becomes clear that what draws people to LPC isn’t any single program. Las Positas is not a backup school students “settle” for. They are actively choosing it. In a community college landscape where enrollment is constantly dropping statewide, LPC’s growth stands out.
LPC President Dyrell Foster said that this is no accident, it’s the result of hard work.
“We’ve really invested a lot of energy, time and resources to be an inclusive, safe, diverse, welcoming college environment. I’m hopeful that students will see that and they experience it,” Foster said.
To meet demand, the campus continues to expand, adding new STEM labs and additional art classes as student needs evolve.
The positive student experience translates directly into the LPC’s appeal. After COVID-19, when many community colleges struggled to recover their enrollment, LPC’s numbers increased quickly. Classes filled at rates of 95% to 96%. It wasn’t due to huge campaigns or flashy billboards. It was due to the widespread positive experiences, and it drew more people in.
Vice President of Administrative Services Sean Brooks said that the trend is expected to continue into fall 2025.
“Our enrollment is up. Our fill rates are at record highs. So we expect these trends to continue as well, and we also have a possibility with the compressed calendar with the Winter Intersession. We’re going to have even more enrollment. All of those classes are going to be online, that’s going to further add to our growth,” Brooks said.
Foster added that rankings also reinforce the college’s value.
“We’ve leaned into our rankings and I think that has resonated with our community. Folks recognize that we are a value and we’re affordable, but it’s a quality education that students receive here,” he said.
The quality of LPC is not just in the programs, but in the intentional work the school puts into supporting students. The return of Winter Intersession expanded course offerings based on data and a post-pandemic focus on rebuilding student life after years of Zoom fatigue are all deliberate choices.
LPC even attracts students from four-year universities who find general education classes more accessible here than on their own campuses. Programs such as guided pathways, transfer support teams and strong relationships with UC and CSU campuses further strengthen LPC’s appeal. Many students who start at LPC successfully transfer to competitive universities.
So when talking about the “hidden gem” at LPC, it’s not a specific major, a program, a building or a club. It’s the community that forms when all those things exist together in one place. It’s clear that students choose to be a part of LPC not just for one reason, but rather they come here because the campus culture feels like something worth being part of.
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TOP PHOTO: What makes LPC a gem is not any specific major, program or building; it’s the presence of all of these elements together. The campus is actively improving to fit the needs of more students, investing time in creating an inclusive, safe and diverse environment. (Infographic by Angelina An/The Express)
Angelina An is the Managing Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @angiebee_919
