Mission, Vision, and Values

To deliver innovative, high-quality educational programs and services that enrich communities, advance equity and belonging, and equip students with the knowledge and resilience to thrive in a changing world.

To be a leader in educational excellence — advancing equitable student achievement, fostering social mobility, and transforming the communities we serve.

Student-Centered

We are committed to putting students first, recognizing that serving and supporting them is our shared purpose.

• Student-First Approach – Ensure that policies, programs, and practices are designed to support student needs and success.

• Student Voice and Agency - Actively seek and integrate student perspectives in decision-making.

• Shared Responsibility and Engagement - Strengthen collaboration among faculty, staff, administrators, and partners in service to students.

Equity and Belonging

Equity and belonging are core values guiding our work as we strive to create more diverse, just, inclusive, and supportive learning and work environments.

• Addressing Inequities – Remain reflective and proactive in identifying and addressing disproportionate impacts in our policies, practices, programs, and processes.

• Inclusive Collaboration – Work collectively to create welcoming spaces that reflect and celebrate our communities' diverse identities and cultures.

• Safe and Supportive Environments – Foster a culture where students and employees feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe in order to thrive.

Future-Readiness and Adaptability

We strive to prepare students, employees, and our institution for a rapidly changing world by fostering a culture of resilience, responsiveness, and ongoing improvement.

• Sustainability and Stewardship – Responsibly manage resources and embrace sustainable, forward-thinking practices.

• Flexible and Responsive Systems – Design programs and services that adapt to evolving student, workforce, and community needs.

• Proactive Innovation – Anticipate and drive positive change by embracing emerging technologies, data-informed strategies, and innovative practices.

• Preparation and Resilience – Equip students and employees with critical thinking skills, knowledge, and tools to navigate and shape a dynamic future.

Excellence and Integrity

We are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity in all aspects of our institution.

• Academic and Institutional Excellence – Maintain high expectations for students, staff, and institutional practices to ensure rigorous, high-quality programs and services.

• Proactively Affirm Student Potential – Recognize the extraordinary abilities and resilience of our students and communities, engaging with humility and a commitment to meaningful support.

• Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability – Uphold ethical standards and clear, transparent processes with built-in accountability to ensure continuous improvement.

• Thoughtful Action and Reflection – Assess the impact of our decisions and continuously refine our practices to align with our values.

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) was founded by a public vote in December 1948 and first opened its doors in 1949. It is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California, with three colleges. Contra Costa College is located in San Pablo. Diablo Valley College is located in Pleasant Hill and has a campus in San Ramon. Los Medanos College is located in Pittsburg and also has a center in Brentwood. 4CD serves a population of 1.17 million people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District Office is located in historic downtown Martinez.

4CD is governed by an elected five-member Governing Board who serve four-year terms. A student trustee, elected by students districtwide, also sits on the Governing Board and serves a one-year term on a rotational basis among the Colleges. The Chancellor, appointed by the Governing Board, carries out the policies of 4CD.

For more than 75 years, our institutions have been a vital part of Contra Costa County. Students of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to take advantage of an incomparable array of educational choices, including studies leading to an associate degree, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, short-term training to update professional skills, and specialized vocational and technical training programs — many in partnership with local businesses and industry — to help build a strong workforce in Contra Costa County.