Designation Secures $2.3 Million in Annual Funding to Expand Public Safety Training and Workforce Development
(Santa Ana, Calif.) – In a significant milestone, Santa Ana College's Criminal Justice Academies have officially been designated as an Educational Center by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. This recognition, approved on March 25, brings with it $2.3 million in annual state funding to expand the program's reach and resources across Southern California.
Chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District Marvin Martinez and Santa Ana College President Dr. Annebelle Nery presented to the California Community College Board of Governors to advocate for Santa Ana College's Criminal Justice Academies to receive Educational Center Status.
“For decades, Santa Ana College's Criminal Justice Academies have been a pillar of excellence in training the next generation of law enforcement and correctional officers," shared Chancellor Martinez. “With a 99.9% student success rate, we ensure that the Orange County and surrounding area has highly qualified, well-trained professionals that are ready to serve our communities."
The attainment of Educational Center status for Santa Ana College's Criminal Justice Academies was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Interim Associate Dean Ernie Gomez and the unwavering support of key community leaders and organizations.
Notable supporters include Congresswoman Young Kim, Congressman Lou Correa, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, and the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriff's Association. Their collective advocacy underscores a shared commitment to advancing public safety education and training in our region.
“Receiving Educational Center status is a milestone achievement that reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and community partners," said Gomez. “This designation strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, responsive training that meets the evolving needs of law enforcement and public safety professionals. It's a proud moment for Santa Ana College and a tremendous step forward for the Criminal Justice Academies as we expand our impact across the region."
The Criminal Justice Academies were established in 1970 through a partnership with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and have grown into a vital training resource for Orange County and the surrounding community. Offering 82 specialized courses each year—including the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate of Achievement—they serve more than 24,000 participants annually at the two sites in Santa Ana and Tustin.
The demand for skilled law enforcement professionals continues to grow across Orange and Los Angeles Counties, where the district's service area spans more than 571,000 residents. The regional need, supported by a 4% rise in occupational demand, has driven the programs' expansion efforts—now further accelerated by Educational Center status.
“Achieving Education Center status is an important recognition that will not only provide additional resources but will position the new Center to serve our students and first responders with the personnel, supplies, equipment, and services," said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jeffrey Lamb.
In the 2023–2024 academic year, 20,770 students within the district's service area enrolled in Criminal Justice Academies courses, with a 99.9% success rate. Of those students, 70% come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and over half are women. This reflects the Rancho Santiago Community College District's commitment to equity, diversity, and access in public service careers.
Educational Center status, awarded by the California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO), is based on exceeding Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) minimums—a benchmark the Criminal Justice Academies have already surpassed. The funding will support curriculum development, expanded training, enhanced student services, and greater access to career technical education for underserved populations.
“This designation confirms what our partners and communities already know—that Santa Ana College is a leader in public safety education," said Nery. “It allows us to build on our strengths, expand our reach, and provide even more pathways for students to enter meaningful, impactful careers."
The center's evolution has been shaped by collaboration with local and regional stakeholders, including public safety organizations, workforce consortia, and neighboring community colleges.
The college also continues to offer flexible learning formats—including evening, hybrid, and block scheduling—to support working adults and accelerate career advancement.
With this milestone, Santa Ana College solidifies its position as a premier provider of public safety education in California and a national model for excellence in community-based workforce training.
Questions about this press release can be directed to Ethereal Violet Reyes from the Public Information Office at reyes_ethereal@sac.edu.
About Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 70,000 students yearly. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree in occupational studies. As part of Santa Ana College, the School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center offers free classes throughout the community for adults of all ages and academic backgrounds. Santa Ana College is an award-winning college and was recently ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students and named one of the best community colleges in California by Intelligent.com. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel. Santa Ana College is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
