To provide Orange County with additional instructional programs that expand beyond certificates and degrees, the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Criminal Justice Academies (CJA) has officially been approved as a state-recognized educational center by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
The designation, unanimously approved on March 25, 2025, formally transitions the CJA from a local outreach center to an “educational center". A title reserved for state-approved offsite operations that are either owned or leased by a California community college district and administered by a parent college.
The programs conferred by the parent college comply with all California Education Code requirements.
The process to achieve this designation involved multiple steps. RSCCD submitted a Letter of Intent to the Chancellor's Office in July 2024. Following approval, the Chancellor's Office reviewed and accepted a comprehensive Needs Assessment for the Criminal Justice Academies in June 2024.
This document evaluated ten key criteria, including academic planning, enrollment projections, geographic accessibility, and economic efficiency.
“I am delighted to announce that the Board of Governors unanimously approved our Criminal Justice Academies for Satellite Center status," RSCCD Chancellor Marvin Martinez said, noting the campus will receive $2.3 million in ongoing funding.
He also recognized the broader community's involvement and collaborative effort behind the transition, adding, “Dr. Nery and I worked tirelessly to secure letters of support from our regional leaders, including Sheriff Don Barnes, OC Supervisor Don Wagner, Congressman Lou Correa, and Congresswoman Young Kim."
The designation not only secures long-term funding but affirms RSCCD's continued leadership in providing high-quality public safety education and training across the region.[VF1]
The Criminal Justice Academies have long served the community and the entire Orange County region. “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 have highly qualified, well-trained professionals who are ready to serve our communities."
