October 3, 2026 - By James Leonard - Families, children, community leaders and Merced College employees gathered at Stephen Leonard Park on Sept. 29 to celebrate the opening of the new South Merced Center, establishing a permanent brick-and-mortar presence in a neighborhood the college had identified as a priority for expanded access and outreach.
The celebration included food, games and activities throughout the park before college and city leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting outside the center. The facility at 640 T St. is now open to the community and will serve as a neighborhood connection point to Merced College classes, workforce training, youth programs and student support.
“Today we’re cutting a ribbon and opening a building, but what we’re really opening is a door,” Merced College President Chris Vitelli said. “Instead of asking South Merced residents to always come to Merced College, Merced College is coming to South Merced, and we’re here to stay.”
Vitelli also recognized Vice President of Human Resources Kelly Avila and Dean of Instruction Joe Serena for leading much of the work to develop the proposal, prepare the facility and coordinate the outreach that helped bring the center to opening day.
The center grew out of a strategic goal established by the college several years ago to create a physical presence in the area to better serve South Merced residents. When the City of Merced later sought an organization to lease and operate the Stephen Leonard Youth Center, the opportunity closely matched work already underway at the college.
Mayor Matthew Serratto said the project reflects the role Merced College has long played throughout the community, and he praised the college for choosing to make a direct investment in South Merced.
“Bringing Merced College here to the heart of South Merced is something truly remarkable,” Serratto said. “You didn’t have to come down here and invest here, but you did. It shows how much you care about this community.”
Before determining what the center would offer, Merced College commissioned an independent survey of 288 South Merced residents in English and Spanish. About 75 percent of respondents said they or someone in their household would probably or definitely use the center, and the survey showed strong interest in job training, college-credit courses and support that helps residents connect with education and career opportunities.
That community-driven approach drew praise from Merced City Council Member Yang Pao Thao, whose District 2 includes South Merced. Thao spoke about growing up in South Merced and the significance of seeing new investment in the neighborhood.
“South Merced is filled with hardworking families and young people with dreams and possibilities,” said Thao, who grew up in the area. “I want our young people to know that college is possible, and the opportunity is within their reach.
“For years, we have talked about bringing more resources and opportunities into South Merced. Today, we are seeing it happen.”
The center will open in phases, beginning this fall with workshops, information sessions and connections to existing Merced College programs and support. The college is also planning its first instructional offerings at the center for Spring 2027, including a Certified Nursing Assistant cohort and proposed offerings in sociology, English as a Second Language/English and guidance.
An educational hospital-room environment is also being developed inside the center to give residents hands-on exposure to Allied Health careers. Other improvements have included classroom and office preparation, technology upgrades, murals and work on the adjacent basketball court.
Vitelli said the long-term goal is for the center to evolve based on what residents tell the college they need. He envisioned adults returning to education after years away, children beginning to picture college in their futures and residents eventually thinking of the center simply as “their Merced College.”
College teams began that relationship-building before the doors opened. In the days leading up to the celebration, employees canvassed the surrounding neighborhood, knocking on doors to introduce residents to the center and personally invite them to the event.
The college is also hiring a Director of the South Merced Center and Community Partnerships to provide leadership for the site and help coordinate programming, outreach and partnerships with the surrounding community.
President Joe Gutierrez, president of the Merced College Board of Trustees and the board’s longest-serving member, welcomed attendees in both English and Spanish.
“I think this is one of the proudest moments I’ve had as a trustee,” Gutierrez said. “This is amazing, and there’s a lot more to come.”
Community members can visit the South Merced Center at 640 T Street to learn about Merced College opportunities and upcoming activities, or call 209-384-6200 for information. Additional information is available at mccd.edu/southmercedcenter.
Source: Merced College