In a recent EdSource article, journalist Joshua Silla—a San Diego State graduate—shared his unconventional path: instead of going straight to grad school or jumping into a career, he’s heading back to community college. Why? To build the industry-specific skills he says were missing from his undergraduate experience.
For Silla and many others, community college offers a strategic opportunity to gain practical experience, grow their portfolios, and connect with local professionals—without the cost and time commitment of graduate school. His decision reflects a growing awareness that community colleges are not just stepping stones—they’re launchpads.
That sentiment rings especially true at Laney College, where recent student success stories continue to prove the value of this path. One such example is Naomi Friedland, a graduate of UC Santa Cruz who turned to Laney’s journalism program to strengthen her skills and launch her reporting career.
Now a reporter for The Ark, a newspaper in Tiburon, Naomi’s experience highlights how community college can help bridge the gap between academic education and career readiness—especially in fields like journalism that prioritize experience and a strong portfolio.
Laney’s journalism program is just one of many standout offerings. The college is home to a wide range of career and technical education (CTE) programs, including engineering, business, green technology, culinary arts, advanced manufacturing, cosmetology, and more. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct faculty mentorship, and hands-on projects that prepare them for today’s workforce.
Laney is one of four colleges in the Peralta Community College District, alongside Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, and Merritt College—all working to ensure that education stays accessible, affordable, and deeply relevant to students’ goals.
As more people like Silla and Friedland chart unique paths to success, one thing becomes clear: community college is not a backup plan—it’s a smart, future-focused investment.
Explore what’s possible at laney.edu.