History of Laney College in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 14, 2025

Laney College is a public community college located in Oakland, California, and the largest of the four colleges within the Peralta Community College District. Named after Joseph Clarence Laney, the college provides certificates and Associate of Arts degrees, and transfer credits for students aiming to attend four-year universities. Laney College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

1927: Central Trade School Founded

In 1927, the Oakland Board of Education established the Central Trade School, marking the early origins of what would eventually become Laney College. The school focused on vocational training.

1929: Merritt School of Business Founded

In 1929, the Merritt School of Business, now known as Merritt College, was founded. This was another key event in the pre-history of Laney College.

1953: Oakland Junior College Founded

In 1953, Oakland Junior College was founded, with Laney serving as the vocational training center and Merritt hosting the liberal arts and business programs, representing a significant step in the college's development.

1958: Renamed Oakland City College

In 1958, Oakland Junior College was renamed Oakland City College, marking an evolution in the institution's identity.

1960: Linda Vail Wins Tennis Championship

In 1960, Laney College student Linda Vail won the U.S. Tennis Association national intercollegiate women's tennis championships in both singles and doubles, marking a significant athletic achievement for the college.

1964: Peralta Junior College District Established

In 1964, with the establishment of the Peralta Junior College District, Laney Institute and Merritt College became separate autonomous colleges in their present-day forms, located on the current campus.

1970: Current Campus Opened

Prior to the 1970-71 academic year, the current Laney College campus was opened, marking a significant change in the college's history.

2006: Art Center Construction

In 2006, construction began on the new art center at Laney College, designed by Beverly Prior Architects using prefabricated materials due to the limited timeframe.

2007: Art Center Opened

During the 2006-2007 school year, the new art center at Laney College opened, featuring a distinct architectural style adjacent to the main complex.

2018: CCCAA State Football Championship

In 2018, Laney College won the CCCAA State Football Championship and was deemed the Mythical National Champion due to regional splits between athletic associations.

2020: Laney Football featured in Last Chance U

In 2020, Laney College Football was featured in season 5 of the Netflix sports series Last Chance U.

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2024: Student Clubs

As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Laney College has 19 registered student clubs, these clubs range from affinity groups such as the Black Student Union to sports fellowships such as Soccer Nation.

2025: Student Communities

As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Laney College also offers numerous Student Communities which offer support to students by creating spaces for like minded students. Many of these communities offer tutoring, study spaces, and group mentorship for members.