A Message from West Valley President, Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza
Destination West.
Welcome to West Valley College! WVC is a premier institution of higher education, a destination where you can realize success. We provide inspiration and liberation through education as we help you to develop your voice. The college promotes economic opportunity and prosperity for all, regardless of background, age, or abilities. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, WVC has greater opportunity and resources to serve students across all demographics, including international students.
Thank you for choosing us; we will not let you down.
West Valley College has served the surrounding cities of Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, and their respective school districts for sixty years. This year we proudly celebrate the college’s 60th birthday. I encourage you to participate in our college’s festivities. Most importantly, take your opportunity to explore our many programs and offerings.
The College offers a wide range of academic programs, including sixty-eight degree programs—thirty-two of which are associate degrees for transfer—and fifty-four certificates. If your goal is to transfer to a four-year university, I am confident we have a program to meet your needs. Our students regularly transfer to UCs (University of California), CSUs (California State Universities), private colleges in-state and out-of-state, international universities, and to Ivy League universities. We rank in the top two of Silicon Valley colleges and rank number four among the twenty-eight Bay Area community colleges. Eighty percent of transfer students who applied to the University of California were accepted.
Likewise, if your goal is to earn a certificate in a particular career field, I encourage you to review our many exciting workforce programs. West Valley provides students a personalized and transformative academic experience in a dynamic, inclusive, learning environment in the heart of Silicon Valley connecting you to employment opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships.
We know that our success lies in our students’ ability to succeed, and we do not want finances to get in your way. West Valley provides you a cost-free education! We have removed tuition costs for individuals residing in the West Valley-Mission College District service area. If you live in the district’s service area, you can now attend college without paying tuition. And we have committed to reducing textbook costs. And we also offer qualified students financial aid and scholarships that can greatly reduce or eliminate costs.
For students interested in being involved in athletics, we have you covered. West Valley College is a premier community college for athletics with facilities and fields unparalleled in the State. We take pride in and support our twelve intercollegiate athletic teams. Our coaches and programs have created an infrastructure to facilitate our student athletes' educational and athletic success. In academic year 2023-2024 Vikings brought home seven conference titles, a state championship, and the Arthur Ashe Jr. Leadership and Sportsmanship Award. We welcome you to explore your opportunities as a West Valley Viking. Join our athletics programs!
The college offers a true liberal arts education through arts, dance, humanities, and fashion. Please check out events and get involved. And our science programs are state-of-the-art. College can be an enriching experience in many ways. From academics to athletics, to arts and music, student services, and learning communities, West Valley has something for you. As a first-generation community college student, I know first-hand the value of making the most of your early college opportunities. We truly do have it all and we are ready to support you with excellent faculty, supportive staff, impactful student organizations, and a competitive sports and athletics program should you be interested. We welcome you to join in on all that awaits you!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
President, West Valley College