Mendocino College has the highest number of Native American students in California’s community college system

UKIAH, Ca., 6/20/23 – Mendocino College celebrated a major milestone recently: out of the 116 community colleges in California, it has the highest percentage of Native American students. In Spring 2023, the college reported that 5.56% of its students identify as Native American. Mendocino College serves Mendocino and Lake counties and averages a student population of 6,800. 

The college credits this achievement due to ongoing efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive learning space for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. In 2018, the Pomo Pathways program was started in partnership with the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The program helps adult or returning Native American students transition easily to college with culturally relevant academic and social support.