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.

“This new location is a central hub on campus which acknowledges the importance of centering storytelling, cultural exchange, sharing knowledge, and providing academic support,” says Giovanni Rodriguez, the Director of El Centro. “Students at Mt. SAC have advocated for a space like this for at least 55 years.”

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,” Baca says. “This is more than a building — 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’s previous 400-square foot location in Building 12.

“A 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,” Rodriguez says.

“We’re 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,” U.S. Congresswoman Norma Torres said on Instagram.

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.

“The 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,” Rodriguez says. “Recognized 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.”

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’s 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’s Native Center.

“Dia 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,” Rodriguez says. “We will have art and crafts, face painting, activities, snacks, music, and an altar showcase. The event is open to the community and family friendly.”

For more information, contact El Centro at (909) 274-4399, visit www.mtsac.edu/elcentro, or follow them on Instragram @mtsac_elcentro.