A Message from President Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza 

Welcome to West Valley College. I am honored that you have chosen WVC as the place to pursue your goals and realize your full potential. You are joining a college community that is deeply committed to supporting you as you explore opportunity, discover your strengths, and shape your future.

West Valley defies the idea that community colleges are the fallback. Instead, WVC is the breakthrough.
At West Valley, we embrace a simple but powerful idea: Ignite the Next. It reflects our commitment to helping you move forward with purpose and turn possibility into action. 

WVC’s state-of-the-art facilities are learning environments designed to inspire creativity and achievement. Our programs and services are intentionally designed so that students, faculty, staff, and community members feel welcomed, supported, and ready to engage. 

Education has the power to transform lives. It can move families out of poverty, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen entire communities. I speak from personal experience when I say that the impact of a community college education extends far beyond the individual—it creates lasting change across generations.

We are proud to serve the communities of Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Campbell, along with our local school districts, adult learners, seniors, and future generations of K–12 students enrolled in dual enrollment courses. We also partner with a wide range of nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens and supports our broader community.

WVC is a premier destination, with the highest transfer rates among Silicon Valley and Bay Area colleges, offering a wide range of degree and career education certificate programs. We also provide recreational and self-development opportunities for both credit and noncredit students. With flexible options that include online, in-person, and hybrid learning, we are here to support your success in ways that meet your needs.

At West Valley, we believe that when we grow together, we go further. By working in partnership with our community, we create meaningful opportunities for lasting success both on and off campus.

Through deep and intentional support systems—many of which are uncommon in higher education—WVC works to remove the barriers that can stand in the way of student success. As a college and district, we provide free tuition, free childcare services, free clothing, free books, free technology, free parking, and free meals through our dining initiative.

Our three identity centers—the African American/Black Center, El Centro, and the Pride Center—offer spaces and student-led programs that foster belonging, explore important social issues, and promote inclusivity and empowerment. With twelve intercollegiate sports, you can also experience the energy and pride of our Viking community. And as you may have already seen, our campus is a place designed for learning, connection, and inspiration.

I hope West Valley College becomes a place where you are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach your fullest potential.

Welcome to the West Valley Viking family. Together, we will ignite the next. 

Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
President, West Valley College