Kern Community College District (KCCD) serves communities over 24,800 square miles in parts of Kern, Tulare, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino counties through the programs of Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso College and Porterville College. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the district’s colleges offer programs and services that develop student potential and create opportunities for our citizens.

KCCD is geographically one of the largest community college districts in the United States, serving more than 30,000 students. Our students represent a diversity of religions, economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnicities.

While the Kern Community College District was established as a separate entity in 1968 to respond to the changing needs of our communities, educational services have been provided to residents for many years: at Bakersfield College since 1913; at Porterville College since 1927; and in the Ridgecrest area since 1951 by what is now Cerro Coso College. All three colleges are proud members of the California Community College System and are accredited by the The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

Today, education centers and sites in Delano, downtown Bakersfield, the Mammoth/ Bishop area, Edwards Air Force, and the Kern River Valley offer additional convenient, localized instruction for thousands of residents. KCCD’s commitment to distance learning and other technological advances is creating increasing opportunities for education through the internet, satellite, and cable television to individuals across our broad service area and beyond.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Kern Community College District is to provide outstanding educational programs and services that are responsive to our diverse students and communities.

Kern Community College District Strategic Plan