Three million dollars. That’s what county community colleges have been awarded by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors grant to implement a program aiming to accelerate student completion of associate degrees, particularly for students with the fewest resources.
The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) says the $3 million grant will be used to “integrate the District’s Promise Scholars Program with the implementation of Guided Pathways, and will include expanded partnerships with local high school districts, a Promise Scholarship for free college, and a professional development infrastructure that supports a culture committed to equity and innovation,” according to the district.
These goals will be met using the City University of New York (CUNY) Accelerate Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model, the district added.
“…this grant…will be a game-changer for so many of our students,’ said Ron Galatolo, Chancellor, San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD). ‘Creating clearly defined pathways from college entry to completion, and providing comprehensive advising…and support services for students will allow them to be successful inside and outside the classroom’.”
Skyline will serve as the lead in putting the money to work at district colleges.
“We are optimistic about how this program – once implemented districtwide – will help close the opportunity gap and enhance the educational attainment rate of our students,” explained Chancellor Galatolo.
Only 11 of 65 districts across the state received any award; and SMCCCD received the largest single grant.
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