News

Parents who take summer classes at Merced College can now get free enrollment for their child in the popular College for Kids summer program, which offers fun learning opportunities in a safe setting for children from 2nd through 8th grade.

More than 1,000 local students are eligible to cross the stage at Merced College's graduation ceremony later this month, and a full crowd of family members, friends and supporters are expected to fill Stadium '76 for the first traditional graduation since 2019.

Merced College is making it easier than ever for working professionals to go back to school, earn a degree and make new strides in their lives and careers.

From customer service and conflict resolution to crafting cocktails, local students can learn all the skills they need for jobs in hotels, restaurants and more through Merced College's Hospitality Career Academy. The free, 12-week program kicks off with an event at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Mainzer in downtown Merced.

Merced College invites all Los Banos and Dos Palos residents, along with supporters from throughout Merced County, to the Los Banos Campus's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 5.

The annual State of the College event at Merced College returns next month for the first time since 2019, with both an in-person event at the college's amphitheater and a virtual option for individuals and groups to watch via livestream.

Longtime Merced County law enforcement veteran Jeffrey Horn is the new police chief at Merced College, effective Sept. 1.Horn brings over 24 years of experience to his new position, having worked most recently with the Merced Police Department. In his role as the administration sergeant, Horn's duties included overseeing all department training, recruiting, hiring and background checks, and investigating claims of officer misconduct. He will continue to serve as the department's rangemaster and oversee firearms training.

Merced College will celebrate its new men's and women's soccer programs, which will compete in the California Community Colleges Athletics Association, with a home doubleheader on Sept. 7.

Merced-area residents can pursue careers in hospitality and customer service while earning college credits, thanks to a new and innovative partnership between Merced College and downtown Merced's new El Capitan, a JdV by Hyatt hotel, and Mainzer.

Merced College last week was awarded a $3 million construction renovation grant from the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grant, along with the last of the 2002 Measure H Bond funds, will provide over $9 million to renovate and modernize the Vocational Building near the center of the Merced campus.