The Lassen Community College Board of Trustees has voted 6 to 1 to discontinue the school’s Gunsmithing Program, bringing an end to one of the institution’s most recognized and historically significant career technical programs that spanned over eight decades.
According to details provided by the LCC Administration, the decision follows an extensive, multi-year review process initiated under Administrative Procedure 4021, which governs the revitalization or discontinuance of academic programs.
The review – which involved faculty, advisory board members, and campus leadership -scrutinized program enrollment, fiscal sustainability, accreditation standards and compliance with both Title V and the California Education Code.
The primary factor cited in the discontinuation was a sharp decline in enrollment. Since its peak in 2014–2015, when the program generated 126.08 full-time equivalent students, the number has dropped significantly to 44.89 FTES in the current 2024–2025 academic year.
Lassen Community College President Carie Camacho acknowledged the legacy of the program but emphasized the necessity of the vote.
“Lassen Community College takes great pride in the legacy of the Gunsmithing Program,” President Camacho said. “For decades, it has been a source of hands-on learning, craftsmanship, and professional opportunity for students from across the nation.”
Despite efforts to save the program – including curriculum redesign, targeted outreach, and significant investments in updated equipment and facilities – the enrollment and compliance challenges persisted. Following careful analysis of these issues, a Taskforce recommended the program’s discontinuance in September 2025.
“While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects our responsibility to uphold academic standards, fiscal stewardship, and the long-term sustainability of our college’s educational mission,” Camacho added.
The college has committed to supporting all currently enrolled Gunsmithing students, ensuring they are provided with completion or transition options consistent with the college’s commitment to student success.
For more than 80 years, Lassen’s Gunsmithing Program has represented a proud tradition of skill, precision, and innovation. The college community expressed deep gratitude to the faculty, alumni and industry partners who contributed to its rich history.
“As we close this chapter, we do so with both respect and sadness,” President Camacho concluded. “The Gunsmithing Program has been a defining part of LCC’s identity, and its impact will continue to be felt through the craftsmanship and careers of its graduates.”
