Laney College is named after Joseph Clarence Laney. Laney College originally opened in 1953 as Oakland City College, at the former University High School campus (which operated from 1923 to 1948). It offers both certificates and credits for Associate of Arts degree, as well as prerequisites to transfer to four year universities.The college, in addition to the other three campuses of the Peralta College District, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.HistoryLaney College traces its history to the Central Trade School by the Oakland Board of the Education in 1927 and the Merritt School of Business founded in 1929. The trade school was later renamed Joseph C. Laney Trade and Technical Institute. Oakland Junior College was founded in 1953 with Laney serving as the vocational training center and Merritt hosting the liberal arts and business programs. In 1958 the college was renamed Oakland City College. With the establishment of the Peralta Junior College District in 1964, Laney Institute, located on the current campus, and Merritt College in Alameda became separate autonomous colleges in their present-day forms. The current campus was opened prior to 1970-71 academic year.
