El Centro holds grand opening
September 24, 2025 - 11:40 AM
El Centro held a grand opening ceremony for its brand new location at Mt. SAC on Sept. 15.
The 3,820-square foot community center located in Building 16F services the entire campus with cultural programs centered around the topic of Latinidad.
鈥淭his new location is a central hub on campus which acknowledges the importance of
centering storytelling, cultural exchange, sharing knowledge, and providing academic
support,鈥� says Giovanni Rodriguez, the Director of El Centro. 鈥淪tudents at Mt. SAC
have advocated for a space like this for at least 55 years.鈥�
Mt. SAC trustee Manuel Baca explains the importance of this ribbon-cutting event.
"By opening El Centro, we are reaffirming our promise to remove barriers, close equity gaps, and celebrate the diversity of our students and their families,鈥� Baca says. 鈥淭his is more than a building 鈥� it is a home on campus where students find comunidad, belonging, and the tools to thrive."
Credit and noncredit students as well as Mt. SAC employees are welcome to utilize the space, which is a huge upgrade from El Centro鈥檚 previous 400-square foot location in Building 12.
鈥淎 space like this means students, employees, and community members have access to cultural resources to learn about history, current events, art, social issues, and academic support,鈥� Rodriguez says.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to see this new space bring students, faculty, and community leaders together to uplift one another, share their stories, and build a stronger, more connected future,鈥� U.S. Congresswoman Norma Torres said on .
Visitors to the new location can expect the same relaxed study space, textbook loan program, and resource library they have experienced at previous El Centro homes. But with the extra space, there will be more offered to students.
鈥淭he additional services include drop-in study rooms, an office space for faculty
to schedule and conduct weekly office hours, a conference room with a 12-person capacity,
and a Multi-Purpose Room with a 25-person capacity,鈥� Rodriguez says. 鈥淩ecognized Student
Clubs/Organizations have the ability to use and host meetings in El Centro. We also
have all-gender single stall restrooms, a wattle bottle refill station, and outdoor
tree shaded areas to sit and relax.鈥�
El Centro, now in a larger space, will thrive by offering tutoring and transfer assistance. There also is an events calendar for workshops and activities.
One of El Centro鈥檚 upcoming events will be its annual Dia De Muertos Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 4-7 p.m. on the third floor of Building 410, and it will be in partnership with the First People鈥檚 Native Center.
鈥淒ia De Muertos is a two-day event (Nov. 1-2) where families remember their dearly departed. We invite the community in learning about the native roots of this practice and how we observe this practice today,鈥� Rodriguez says. 鈥淲e will have art and crafts, face painting, activities, snacks, music, and an altar showcase. The event is open to the community and family friendly.鈥�
For more information, contact El Centro at (909) 274-4399, visit www.mtsac.edu/elcentro, or follow them on Instragram .