ASU Local – Long Beach Celebrates First Graduating Cohort at End-of-Year Event

Press Release
a female student stand in front of ASU local banner

Long Beach, Calif., April 27, 2026, — ASU Local – Long Beach marked a major milestone on April 27, 2026, with its end-of-year celebration honoring the program’s first cohort of graduates. Launched in 2023 through a partnership with Long Beach City College, the program is designed to expand access to four-year degrees for local transfer students. 

At the celebration, four students were recognized as the program’s inaugural graduates, representing a significant achievement for both the students and the growing initiative. Since its founding, ASU Local – Long Beach has expanded rapidly and now enrolls nearly 100 students. 

ASU Local – Long Beach is specifically designed for Long Beach City College transfer students who have completed 45 or more transferable credits. The program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University while remaining in their local community. 

Through ASU Local, students take flexible online courses taught by the same faculty who teach on ASU’s campus, while also benefiting from in-person support. On-site experiences include personalized coaching, workshops, and collaborative opportunities with peers, helping to create a well-rounded and supportive college experience. 

The program is especially suited for students balancing academic goals with work, family, and other responsibilities. By combining the rigor of a nationally recognized university with local access and support, ASU Local – Long Beach provides a pathway to a competitive four-year degree without requiring students to relocate. 

The April 27 celebration highlighted not only the accomplishments of the first four graduates but also the continued growth and impact of the program within the Long Beach community. 


About About ASU Local – Long Beach
ASU Local – Long Beach is a partnership between Arizona State University and Long Beach City College, offering transfer students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees locally. The program blends online coursework with in-person support services to provide flexibility, accessibility, and a comprehensive college experience. 


About Long Beach City College
Long Beach City College consists of two campuses with an enrollment of over 35,000 students each semester and serves the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Avalon. LBCC promotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities.  Visit www.LBCC.edu for more information about Long Beach City College.

MEDIA CONTACT

Carl Kemp,
Associate Vice President, Public Affairs, Marketing & Government Relations
Long Beach City College
ckemp@lbcc.edu
(562) 938-5967