LARC at the California Community College Association for Occupational Education Conference
This April, LARC and representatives from our 19 colleges attended the annual California Community College Association for Occupational Education conference. There were several major takeaways from the conference including a presentation from the incoming California Community College Chancellor, Dr. Sonya Christian, on her vision for the statewide system. We heard her discuss three priority areas: 1) equity in workforce development 2) the impact of climate change and our responsibility in meeting current and future workforce demands and 3) increasing dual enrollment across our colleges.
LARC also had an opportunity to showcase our regional marketing strategy to both engage and connect prospective students and employers across the region. We shared our strategies and our results in hopes of encouraging other colleges to follow our lead.
On Earth Day, we attended the opening of West LA College’s California Center for Climate Change Education. The Center is a first-of-its-kind, forward-looking resource that will help prepare students for good-paying, fulfilling careers in the clean energy and climate technology industries. West LA College also has the only degree and certificate program in Climate Change Studies in any California community college.
Getting Ready for LA28
Planning for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics are underway. The LA28 committee has established three working groups with community associations that will meet quarterly. Among the organizations advising on community business and procurement are the Asian Business Association, Fair Trade LA, the LA Chamber of Commerce and the LA Business Council. Among the groups advising on sustainability are Climate Resolve, Heat The Bay, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and the USC Office of Sustainability.
LARC has been tapped to participate on the working group advising on local hiring initiatives and will serve alongside Arts for LA, Community Build, and the LA Conservation Corps Learn more here. Stay tuned for updates from our working group.
Driving Student Success through Collaboration and Research
Recently, LARC joined educators across the nation at Harvard University’s virtual unveiling of the “College-to-Jobs Initiative” by The Project on Workforce.
This initiative examines the “disconnect between college and good jobs,” addressing the gap between higher education and employment, particularly for minority populations, and outlines 13 strategies to support students transition into successful careers.
Explore their comprehensive playbook and data map here.
