
The Amador Community College Foundation (ACCF) was established in 2013 by a group of community leaders, educators, and local education advocates who recognized the need for accessible higher education opportunities in Amador County. At the time, Amador County was one of the few counties in California without a community college campus, which created significant barriers for residents seeking college degrees, certificates, or career training. Many students, particularly working adults and recent high school graduates, were unable to travel long distances to attend college, limiting their educational and career opportunities.
To address this gap, the foundation was formed as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and expanding post-secondary education access in Amador County. The mission became to advocate, facilitate, and support higher educational opportunities for residents of Amador County by connecting students with community college resources, one-on-one assistance, financial aid assistance, computer lab access, tutoring, and career training resources. Thus, improving workforce readiness and economic development in the region.
In 2013, the foundation opened the Amador Learning Center, which served as the first location where students could receive guidance and support in accessing online college classes and educational programs. As services and community partnerships grew, the organization began operating as Amador College Connect in 2016. This reflected the Center’s role as a one-stop resource connecting students with colleges, workforce training, and career pathways. Through this model, students in Amador and Calaveras counties are able to pursue certificates, degrees, transfer opportunities along with career training and advancement while remaining in their local community.
The Amador Community College Foundation (ACCF) is a non-profit 501(3)c actively promoting college-level educational and career-path opportunities through the operation of Amador College Connect.