The West Valley College Identity

For more than 55 years, West Valley College has served students and the region as a public community college. A friendly, inclusive campus, modern, student-centered facilities, and a natural, park-like setting make West Valley College a vibrant place for students to grow—their careers, worldviews and futures.

Located on 143 acres in Saratoga, California, West Valley College offers exceptional preparation for students seeking to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career certificate and degree programs for Silicon Valley’s workforce, and adult and continuing education programs that support lifelong learning for all members of the community.

Value Proposition

West Valley College offers personalized pathways and small class sizes to help students achieve their academic, career and life goals.

Brand Character

  • Friendly
  • Inclusive
  • Energetic
  • Resourceful
  • Community-focused

Differentiators: What Makes West Valley Unique?

  • Academic excellence
  • Personalized student experiences
  • Small class sizes
  • Commitment to inclusion and diversity
  • Newly renovated facilities
  • Park-like setting

Key Messages

West Valley College is a place to grow—your career, your worldview and your future.

Theme 1: Personalized Pathways

West Valley’s motto is “Your Goal, Our Focus.” Through a broad range of programs, students are able to find their best path: earning a degree or certificate, transferring to a four-year university, or getting career training. 

  • Through eight schools, there are 58 associate degree programs, 91 certificate programs, and more than 30 associate degrees for transfer
  • Financial support, such as the Community Grant, and a variety of no-cost programs make getting an education free or almost free
  • Many options for in-person and online courses and career programs, as well as unique programs not offered elsewhere
  • High transfer rate and guaranteed admission at four-year universities in more than 30 associate degree for transfer (ADT) programs

Theme 2: Inclusive Student Support

With a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity, West Valley’s supportive, dedicated faculty and staff help students develop a growth mindset and expanded worldview from West Valley to Silicon Valley, from local neighborhoods to a vast, global community. 

  • Faculty members are committed to student success
  • Dedicated academic counselors in each of West Valley’s schools and cohort programs
  • Small class sizes
  • Special support programs such as EOPS, Honors, Puente, TRiO and Umoja
  • Anti-Racism and Inclusion Action Plan
  • Food pantry and basic needs services
  • Newly renovated facilities
  • Opportunities for health, wellness and athletic competition

Theme 3: Community Focus

West Valley is truly a California community college, serving the career and enrichment needs of the region and its workforce.

  • Free programs in immigrant education, short-term vocational training, courses for those with disabilities and enrichment courses for older adults
  • Events and facilities open to the public: from lectures and enrichment courses to hosting a weekly farmers market, from health and wellness at the pool to a state-of-the-art planetarium
  • West Valley’s park-like campus serves as both a classroom and an inviting space for all members of the community
Last Updated 8/5/21