(SANTA ANA, CA) – Santa Ana College received $850,000 of federal funding secured by U.S. Representative Lou Correa to support the Automotive Technology, Diesel-Electric Transportation Technology, Robotic Manufacturing, and Welding programs. The funding will focus on creating the modern infrastructure needed to expand these programs by retrofitting a vacant lot and a classroom adjacent to the existing training space for these programs. This project is expected to add five automotive, two diesel technology, and three welding courses each semester once complete.
Representative Correa visited Santa Ana College on Friday, August 28 for a check presentation ceremony with President Dr. Annebelle Nery. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jeffrey Lamb, Human Services & Technology Division Interim Dean Dr. Dina Humble, and several Human Services & Technology department faculty and students were in attendance.
“I want to express our deepest gratitude to him for the $850,000 investment toward our Automotive, Diesel, Electric Transportation Technology and Robotic Manufacturing, and Welding program,” said President Nery. “This partnership reflects a true belief in the power of community colleges to transform lives and most importantly, to strengthen and invest in our local community and to strengthen and invest our local economy.”
“This funding is going to open up more classes, equipment and materials primarily,” said Dr. Humble. “And it goes far beyond that. It goes to assisting with pedagogical needs and connecting our students to the industry as well. We appreciate the partnership with our legislators, including Congressman Correa, and thank him very much for keeping us in mind for this funding and our students and the community. Santa Ana College sits as a focal point in the community and continues to contribute to the economic engine of our community.”
"Santa Ana College has always been a launching pad for opportunity in our community, and this funding makes sure it stays that way,” said Rep. Correa. “Families in Orange County want access to good jobs that don’t require a four-year degree and a mountain of debt — like jobs in the trades, in manufacturing, and in transportation. This investment means 200 more students a semester get hands-on training and a real shot at those careers.”
About Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 70,000 students yearly for credit and noncredit classes. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree in occupational studies. In 2025, the college launched a second bachelor's degree in Paralegal 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 for a 2nd consecutive year. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel.