Compton College: A Legacy of Education and Community in Compton, California

Compton College, a public community college located in Compton, California, has a rich history intertwined with the development of the city itself. From its humble beginnings to its present-day status as a vital educational hub, Compton College has played a significant role in shaping the lives of countless students and contributing to the overall well-being of the surrounding communities.

The Early Days of Compton

Before delving into the history of the college, it's essential to understand the context of the city it calls home. Compton's early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and limited access to essential resources. Gathering firewood, for instance, required a laborious three-day journey to the Pasadena mountains. The nearest general stores were located miles away in Los Angeles and Wilmington, further isolating the community.

Despite these hardships, the residents of Compton persevered, and in January 1888, a group of prominent citizens, including Thomas R. Dowles, William H. Carpenter, James J. Harsman, George H. Palmer, and Randolph Sherer, petitioned Los Angeles County for the incorporation of Compton. The city was officially incorporated on May 11, 1888, marking a significant milestone in its history. The newly formed city, with a population of 500, held its first City Council meeting on May 14, 1888, in the home of William H. Carpenter.

The Establishment of Compton Junior College

The establishment of Compton Junior College marked a crucial step in the city's commitment to education. The college was founded to provide accessible and affordable higher education opportunities for the local community.

From Devastation to Determination: Overcoming Challenges

The Compton Union campus, which housed both the high school and the college, faced a major setback in 1933 when the Long Beach earthquake struck, leaving only two buildings standing. This devastating event tested the resilience of the institution and the community it served.

Read also: Career Support at Compton College

Despite the destruction, Compton Junior College persevered. In 1950, voters approved a bond issue to separate the college from the high school district, paving the way for the construction of a new, dedicated college campus at its present site on 1111 East Artesia Boulevard.

Evolution and Transformation: Adapting to Changing Demographics

The 1960s witnessed a significant shift in the composition of the student body, with a transition from a predominantly Caucasian population to an overwhelmingly African-American one. This demographic change reflected the evolving demographics of the surrounding communities and underscored the college's commitment to serving the educational needs of its diverse student population.

In 1970, the Board of Trustees made history by appointing Abel B. Sykes Jr. as the institution's first African-American President/Superintendent. Sykes's 14-year tenure was marked by significant achievements, including the construction of the Jane Astredo Allied Health Building and the Abel B. Sykes Jr. Child Development Center, the first two new campus buildings since 1952.

Navigating Financial Difficulties and Accreditation Challenges

The 1980s presented a period of reduced funding and partial retrenchment for Compton College. While the institution faced financial constraints, it managed to stabilize by the early 1990s. However, in 2004, the college encountered significant turmoil due to a "corrupt board and financial insolvency."

In response to these challenges, the state intervened, installing Arthur Tyler Jr. as Special Trustee in May 2004 to help the Compton Community College District achieve fiscal stability and integrity. The State Chancellor issued an executive order authorizing the Special Trustee to manage the college and suspend the powers of the governing board.

In 2005, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) made the difficult decision to terminate the college's accreditation. This decision was a major blow to the institution and the community it served.

A Path to Recovery: Partnership and Renewal

Following the loss of accreditation, the State Chancellor assigned Jamillah Moore as the interim President/Superintendent and Charles Ratliff as the Special Trustee in July 2005. In March 2006, Thomas Henry was appointed as a third Special Trustee to continue the implementation of AB 61 and the development of AB 318, aimed at keeping the doors open for students.

On June 30, 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 318 into law, providing the college district with a $30 million loan for recovery and the opportunity to partner with a college of good standing to offer accredited courses. Five months later, the Special Trustee approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with El Camino College District, solidifying the partnership between the two institutions.

Under this MOU, the Compton College campus became a center of El Camino College, with the Office of the President/Superintendent replaced by the Office of Provost/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The center was officially established as the Compton Community Educational Center.

Regaining Independence and Accreditation: A Triumph

After years of hard work and dedication, Compton College regained its independence and accreditation. This achievement marked a significant turning point in the college's history and a testament to the commitment of its faculty, staff, students, and the community it serves.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

Compton College offers a wide range of academic programs designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of its students. These programs are divided into three divisions: Health, Natural Sciences, and Human Services; Arts & Social Sciences; and Humanities & Mathematics.

The college offers Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees, as well as certificate programs in various fields. Students can choose from a variety of majors, including business administration, computer science, nursing, and liberal arts.

To support incoming students, Compton College offers a First Year Experience program that provides peer mentors, group study sessions, and bilingual counselors. The college also holds off-site classes at seven area high schools, making education more accessible to students in the surrounding communities.

Campus and Resources

The Compton College campus provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students. The campus features modern facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, a library, and a student center.

The 40,000-square-foot library, which opened in 2014, offers a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources. The library also provides study spaces, computer workstations, and research assistance.

Compton College offers a variety of resources to support student success, including tutoring services, counseling services, and career services. The college also has a dedicated transfer center to assist students who plan to continue their studies at a four-year university.

A Commitment to the Community

Compton College is deeply committed to serving the educational and economic needs of the surrounding communities. The college offers a variety of programs and services designed to promote community engagement and workforce development.

The Compton Community College District encompasses an area of approximately 29 square miles, serving nearly 300,000 residents of Compton, Lynwood, Paramount, Willowbrook, and surrounding neighborhoods. The college's easy accessibility to freeways and affordable housing options have attracted additional residents and sparked the interest of developers, contributing to the revitalization of the area.

Notable Alumni

Compton College has produced a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These include:

Don Bandy: Former professional football player.
Justin Carter: Division I college basketball player.
Joe Perry: Former professional football player.

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