University of California, Irvine. University Extension.

Historical Background

Organizational History

The University of California began offering University Extension programs in Orange County in 1959, six years before the opening of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus. These programs were coordinated from the University of California, Los Angeles campus until the Irvine campus opened in September of 1965.

UCI Extension serves the continuing education needs of the community through certificate programs, specialized studies, seminars and lectures, and cultural enrichment programs. Courses are designed to promote career advancement as well as personal development for all age groups.

In keeping with its close connection to the community, UCI Extension has worked to apply the resources of the university to the solution of statewide and urban problems. In 1967 UCI Extension joined with Project 21, an organization of business and government leaders interested in helping Orange County prepare for the future through study projects related to urban planning, transportation needs, downtown deterioration, preservation of open space, low income housing, population growth, and environmental quality.

UCI Extension offers a variety of community programs such as Career Planning and Life Planning; the Academy for Lifelong Learning, which offers educational and cultural programs for retired persons; English and certificate programs for international students; and pre-college programs for students preparing to enter college.

The Career Planning and Life Planning program began as a University Extension community service organization in 1970 and is now housed in the Women's Opportunities Center. The Women's Opportunities Center building, including counseling rooms, a resource library, and a computer lab, was built on the UC Irvine campus through funds raised by community donations. The programs have grown to meet the needs of men and women in career and life transitions.

Organizational History

The University of California began offering University Extension programs in Orange County in 1959, six years before the opening of the University of California, Irvine campus. These programs were coordinated from the University of California, Los Angeles campus until the Irvine campus opened in September 1965.

UCI Extension serves the continuing education needs of the community through certificate programs, specialized studies, seminars and lectures, and cultural enrichment programs. Courses are designed to promote career advancement as well as personal development for all age groups.

In keeping with its close connection to the community, UCI Extension has worked to apply the resources of the University to the solution of statewide and urban problems. In 1967, Extension joined with Project 21, an organization of business and government leaders interested in helping Orange County prepare for the future through study projects such as urban planning, transportation needs, downtown deterioration, preservation of open space, low income housing, population growth, and environmental quality. The materials in this collection center on these subjects.

UCI Extension offers a variety of community programs such as the Women's Opportunity Center which provides career-direction programs and services; the Academy for Lifelong Learning which offers educational and cultural programs for retired persons; English and certificate programs for international students; and pre-college programs for students preparing to enter college.

Chronology