Years of planning will culminate Sept. 26 when students attend the first classes at the Foothill-De Anza Community College District’s new campus at the Onizuka Air Force Station, which was home to the Blue Cube.
The campus is an extension of Foothill College and is across from Moffett Business Park in Sunnyvale. It features a full library, financial aid and counseling services for students.
The school is also developing a biomedical engineering program and based on current enrollment, Foothill staff said Spanish, industrial design, and public speaking appear to be some of the most popular classes this coming session.
School officials told the Sunnyvale City Council during an Aug. 23 presentation that the campus location near business parks will help students gain experience working in Silicon Valley companies.
“We will be working with local companies to develop internships, workforce preparation and basic skills. A big part of the work will be building partnerships,” said Judy Miner, district chancellor, during the presentation.
For 20 years Foothill College leased space in Palo Alto for a campus. The new location will be that campus’ permanent home.
The Onizuka station was in operation from 1960 until it closed in 2010. The station was crucial in several aerospace projects and during the Cold War it tracked satellites and was used in top secret missions with its defining feature, the iconic Blue Cube.
Miner told the council that the campus pays homage to the site’s past in a number of ways. Sparkling blue walkways in the campus are made with paint from the Blue Cube. Murals formerly inside the building have also been added around campus. There are plans for history displays done in conjunction with the Sunnyvale Historical Society.
Foothill College was given the nine acres of property for free through a public benefit conveyance program which allows excess real estate owned by the federal government to be given to non-profit groups for public benefit use. The college also used money from a 2006 voter-approved bond measure to purchase land and build the new site.
Councilmembers were enthusiastic about the new campus and congratulated school officials on its completion.
“What really intrigues me is the opportunity for internships. Given where you have the facility and the companies, it creates a great opportunity and creates skill building,” said Mayor Glenn Hendricks at the conclusion of the presentation. “I think it’s going to be great to see the opening and see enrollment grow.”
For more information about Foothill College, visit foothill.edu.
