Antelope Valley College

When it was founded in 1929, Lancaster, California's Antelope Valley College held classes in a high school and boasted 20 students. Several decades later, the institution serves 16,000 students and is the main resource for college education in the region. Lancaster, and its twin city Palmdale, are major population centers in the state's high desert region. The city boasts a rich collection of bikeways and trails which, in conjunction with the surrounding countryside, provide students with plenty of opportunities for recreation.

Antelope Valley College has its main campus in Lancaster with a smaller installation in neighboring Palmdale. In all, the college offers about 75 certificate and degree programs. Many of the associate's degree programs are transferrable, and students can use them toward obtaining a bachelor's degree at a four year institution.

Students attend this community college for a variety of reasons. Many choose it because of the ultramodern facilities that have been added to the main campus in recent years. The new structures combined with access to the latest technological advances make Antelope Valley College a smart choice. Students attend with hopes of earning a degree or certificate that will advance their career.

Academics at the school are separated into several divisions. The Visual and Performing Arts division is particularly popular thanks to the new performing arts center that was added to the campus within the last several years. Also of note is the college's Technical Education division where students may complete programs related to aviation technology, welding, interior design and agriculture. Other diverse offerings at Antelope Valley include computer aided design, creative writing and radiologic technology.

Students at Antelope Valley College are known for their commitment to their community. Most attendees get involved in local charitable and humanitarian projects during their years of study. For recreation, students enjoy a host of community events like the Poppy Festival, take in plays at the Palmdale Playhouse or visit Lancaster's wonderful Museum of Art & History.