Fullerton College, in Fullerton, California, is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California, having been established in 1913. Fullerton College’s roots can be traced back to a time when the city of Fullerton was primarily an agricultural community devoted to growing, packing and shipping citrus products. Originally enrolling 28 students in its first year in 1913, today Fullerton College boasts an enrollment figure of nearly 20,000, with figures anticipated to reach more than 32,000 by the year 2020.

California State University, Fullerton is known for combining the best qualities of teaching and research universities where actively engaged students, faculty, and staff work in close collaboration to expand knowledge. The school's affordable undergraduate and graduate programs provide students the best of current practice, theory, and research and integrate professional studies with preparation in the arts and sciences. Through experiences in and out of the classroom, students develop the habit of intellectual inquiry, prepare for challenging professions, strengthen relationships to their communities and contribute productively to society.

Orange Coast College, located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California’s beautiful beaches, was founded in 1948 with an opening day enrollment of 500 students. In the years since, it has grown into one of the nation’s largest community colleges, enrolling more than 28,000 students each semester. Featuring exceptional facilities and the latest in computer and high-tech equipment, OCC offers more than 130 academic and career programs, including one of the nation’s largest and most acclaimed public nautical programs. Nearly half the students on campus are enrolled in one of OCC's career and technical programs. Furthermore, Orange Coast College ranks first out of Orange County's nine community colleges in the number of students it transfers to the University of California and California State University systems.