Orange Coast College Foundation

The Planetarium at Orange Coast College and the Sailing and Seamanship Center

The Orange Coast College Foundation's current programs include the endowment campaign for the State of the Art Planetarium was opened in March, 2020. We have set the amount needed for the endowment at $5 Million. The campaign has raised over $1.9 million to date. Students in Orange County school districts who experience the planetarium will be given the chance to experience core STEM concepts through exhibits that are engaging and fun. College courses will be offered to students by OCC faculty, and members of the community will have the opportunity to attend shows, lectures and exhibits throughout the year. The endowment will fund the programs, the interactive and innovative learning experiences that engage, inspire, and illuminate students of all ages that only this planetarium can provide. The Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship is another major focus of the Foundation. Operating the largest public sailing program in the United States the school offers a wide range of non-credit sailing classes and adventures. The program is funded entirely through class fees, revenue from the sale of donated boats, and other private gifts.  The innovative Professional Mariner Training Center opened in July, 2021 and we are raising funds from donors to endow the program.