In a move to bridge the education gap in North Long Beach, city officials and Long Beach City College (LBCC) inaugurated the North Long Beach Higher Education Center, a new beacon for learning and job training. Aimed at bringing much-needed educational services to residents, the center officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a vibrant splash of community spirit, featuring a dedicated mural, as reported by Long Beach's official press release on May 6.
Boasting a suite of services such as tuition-free non-credit courses and small business support, the center is perfectly placed at 635 E. South St., awaiting locals eager to upskill. Mayor Rex Richardson hailed the opening as a critical step toward equitable access to education, saying, "The North Long Beach Higher Education Center will help close the geographic gap in services by connecting residents to the resources they need to pursue their educational and career dreams."
Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President, emphasized at the event, that the college’s goal of fostering equitable access to its educational services has now stretched closer to North Long Beach residents. In a statement released by the City of Long Beach, he regarded the center as a potential cornerstone for community empowerment, asserting, “LBCC hopes that the new North Long Beach Higher Education Center will become an important asset for this community.”
Bolstering local job market participation, the Center will also extend its offerings outside the traditional classroom setting. With courses running Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents can benefit not just educationally but economically. Ninth District Councilwoman Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie, stated "This Center will serve as a pivotal hub for educational and workforce enhancement, empowering individuals through access to essential training and resources vital for success in the job market."
This educational hub was not an overnight creation. It represents years of determination and partnership, with initial support from LBCCD Board of Trustee Member Uduak-Joe Ntuk and the perseverance of the City’s Department of Economic Development and Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network. Even after being temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project saw through to completion, as detailed by the official City of Long Beach press release.
The Center's upgrades include a modern computer lab and new roofing, alongside aesthetic improvements such as the mural created by the Puente Latino Association. LBCC staff and City partners plan to offer a variety of programming, with the shared goal of fostering success within the fabric of the community, from its students to its entrepreneurs. “This Center is a testament to our commitment to education and workforce development," noted Bo Martinez, the Director of Economic Development, underscoring that the project's fruition hinged on dedicated teams and shared aspirations for community upliftment.
Long Beach, with its portfolio of varied neighborhoods, beaches, and landmarks like the Queen Mary and Long Beach Airport, continues to expand its services to meet the diverse demands of its residents. The opening of the North Long Beach Higher Education Center stands as a fresh testament to the city's commitment to serving its community's educational needs right at home.
