Located in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, which comprises various public colleges and universities. The college offers bachelor’s and associate degrees in fields such as arts, sciences, and applied sciences. Read more about this innovative catalyst for social change and educational equity at queens1.one.
A College Serving Minority Communities
The 1960s in the United States were marked by the civil rights movement, with nationwide protests in which college students played a crucial role. Marginalized groups demanded social and economic equality. In 1970, the City University of New York introduced an open admissions policy, allowing all New York City high school graduates to enroll. As a result, the number of freshmen nearly doubled.
To meet the growing demand for higher education, a new college for all was established in 1971. Its first president, Joseph Shenker, was appointed at the age of 29, making him the youngest leader of a community college in the U.S. The institution was named after Fiorello LaGuardia, the 99th mayor of New York City, to honor his dedication to public service and his successful campaigns for social justice. LaGuardia was known for his commitment to ensuring dignity and democratic rights for underserved populations, and the college continues to uphold his legacy by championing equal access to education.
LaGuardia Community College primarily serves minority communities, including a high percentage of Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans, and Indigenous students. Since its founding, the college has provided high-quality, affordable education to students of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Thousands of immigrants have been able to build better lives for themselves and their families thanks to the skills and knowledge they have gained at LaGuardia.
More Than 60 Academic Programs
Students can choose from over 60 academic programs, ranging from nursing and business to arts and computer science. The college offers bachelor’s and associate degrees (the latter being equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s program). Graduates can either enter the workforce directly or transfer to another institution to pursue higher degrees.
The college is organized into the following departments:
- Business & Technology
- Health & Community Wellness
- Education & Language Acquisition
- English
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Liberal Arts
- Library Science
- Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Every student is assigned a support team, which includes an advisor, faculty member, and counselor, to assist them in overcoming challenges on their educational journey. Various academic, professional, and personal development resources are also available. For example, the college provides laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots for students participating in remote learning programs.
The LaGuardia Community College Foundation connects faculty, staff, alumni, business partners, and donors to provide students with financial support to help them achieve their academic and career goals. Since its founding in 2003, the foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and financial aid.
Mission and Core Values
The primary mission of LaGuardia Community College is to educate one of the most diverse student populations in the country. The institution fosters critical thinking and social responsibility among its students, faculty, and staff.
The college’s core values include:
- Education: LaGuardia believes that everyone has the ability to learn and develop new skills that will help them build successful careers. A creative and collaborative learning environment nurtures intellectual curiosity, imagination, and global awareness.
- Diversity: The exchange of different perspectives, ideas, and experiences enriches learning and allows students to develop a broader worldview. The college encourages individuality and embraces a multicultural student body, making it a welcoming environment for immigrants of all backgrounds.
- Opportunities: LaGuardia invests in each student’s potential, providing them with the resources to fully develop their talents and ambitions. The college promotes extracurricular activities, student research, internships, volunteer work, sports, and special interest clubs to help students thrive.
- Responsibility: The college fosters a supportive and respectful community, where students and faculty are encouraged to take their academic and professional responsibilities seriously to maintain a trustworthy and productive learning atmosphere.
- Innovation: LaGuardia is committed to continuous improvement and embraces a forward-thinking approach to education. This innovative spirit is reflected in both teaching methodologies tailored for the 21st century and technological advancements such as state-of-the-art classrooms and remote learning programs.
By upholding these values, LaGuardia Community College continues to be a leader in accessible, high-quality education, empowering students from all walks of life to reach their full potential.