In the heart of Orange County lies Rancho Santiago Community College District, home to two colleges, Santa Ana College, one of the state's oldest community colleges, and one of its newest, Santiago Canyon College. In addition, the college district presents convenient community education courses in many other locations in cooperation with its education and community partners.

Centered in a growing and dynamic area, the district serves a population of nearly 700,000 residents in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana and Villa Park. Encompassing 24 percent of Orange County's total area (193 square miles), the district maintains two colleges, Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College.

Santa Ana College, founded in 1915, is a comprehensive community college preparing students for the workplace as well as to transfer to four-year higher learning institutions. Students may earn an associate degree certificate. For those willing to commit to high academic achievement, honors courses are offered. The college also assists students in gaining basic skills and technology proficiency so they can pursue other goals. It is located at the corner of West 17th Street and Bristol in Santa Ana on about 58 acres.

Santiago Canyon College, the state's newest community college, offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes university transfer as well as associate degree programs. Honors courses are offered to those with high academic achievement goals. In addition, the college provides community services, technical certificate programs, non-credit courses and basic skills instruction. Situated on 52 acres, the college is located in Orange at the corner of Chapman Avenue and Newport Drive.