The Santa Clara River Valley is home to a vibrant, resilient community that values education, opportunity, and progress. The Community Colleges of Ventura County share those values, and we are proud of the expanding role Ventura College East Campus plays in supporting students and families in Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, and beyond.
Over the past three years, East Campus has grown stronger and more aligned with regional needs. Since 2022, we’ve invested over $1 million in personnel and facilities—with another $1 million in planned investments this coming year to support staffing and space improvements. The momentum is real.
A Campus on the Rise
We’ve expanded course offerings, added academic pathways, and strengthened student services to help students succeed both in and outside of the classroom. The Veterinary Technology program, launched in partnership with Ohana Pet Hospital, is a standout success, attracting students from across the region. This year, we’re launching a new Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) program to prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers while addressing local workforce needs. Health science offerings have also expanded, and our English as a Second Language (ESL) program has been redesigned to better serve the community.
Since 2021, East Campus has grown its footprint by 48%, adding nearly 5,000 square feet of instructional space. These improvements include a new anatomy lab opened in 2023 and an additional lab and classrooms that will soon be open for classes starting in 2026, critical spaces that promote hands-on learning and degree completion.
Student services have grown as well. Today, students have expanded access to counseling, financial aid, library support, tutoring, mental wellness resources, and basic needs assistance. We’ve added a dedicated Dean of Student Learning, a full-time Library Technician, and a Student Success and Support Specialist II. A new Director of Dual Enrollment will soon join the team to support our expanding early college programs.
This progress reflects the power of partnership. Community feedback has helped shape priorities, and Ventura College has made intentional investments in both staffing and space to meet local needs. We remain committed to maintaining and deepening these relationships to ensure that the Santa Clara River Valley community sees itself reflected in East Campus’s growth.
Expanding Access: Dual Enrollment and Adult Learners
Access starts early. That’s why we’ve strengthened dual enrollment partnerships with local high schools, enabling students to earn college credit before graduation and fostering a strong college-going culture across the region.
We’re also expanding opportunities for adult learners, especially working adults and parents. Programs like PACE (Program for Accelerated College Education) offer fully online, flexible degree pathways in Business, Psychology, Sociology, and Public Administration – making higher education more accessible for busy lives.
Our online programs are led by faculty trained in high-impact virtual teaching practices. These instructors don’t simply shift courses online; they complete intensive training in both digital tools and online teaching strategies to ensure engaging, student-centered learning. Since Fall 2022, student success rates for online learners have nearly matched those of our broader student population.
Looking Ahead
We are optimistic about reaching 500 full-time equivalent students (FTES), the threshold that would allow us to apply for official Center Status through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. While applications are not currently being accepted, we are preparing for the opportunity should it reopen.
But official designations are not our primary goal. Our focus remains on what matters most: expanding access, offering meaningful programs, and providing the support students need to succeed.
Every dollar we invest goes directly toward student outcomes. That means more programs, more career pathways, and more support for our community.
Stronger Together
We are grateful for the community members, families, educators, and local leaders who have long championed greater access to higher education in the Santa Clara River Valley. Your continued engagement has helped shape our direction and priorities.
Ventura College East Campus is part of a broader network, including the Ventura campus and the entire Ventura County Community College District, working together to provide residents with an affordable, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our region.
Together, these campuses offer more than classes—they offer connection, opportunity, and the foundation for a stronger future.
To the people of Santa Clara River Valley: Ventura College East Campus is growing with you and for you. Our commitment is not only to progress, but to partnership.
The future is bright – and with an unwavering focus on student success and regional growth, we are proud to be building it right here, right now.