Taking the Gold Line to Citrus College and Beyond

By Dr. Edward C. Ortell, Citrus College Governing Board Member

For many, especially those who are low-income or first-generation college students, this is a momentous decision that comes with increased financial responsibilities, lifestyle changes and a great deal of hard work. A significant number of them have jobs and families that already place demands on their time and resources. For these students, transportation presents a major obstacle to achieving their higher education goals.

A recent survey conducted by the California Student Aid Commission found that the costs associated with attaining a college education, even for students attending one of California's affordable community colleges, can stack up quickly, and students can expect to pay up to $1,000 per year on transportation alone.

Given its close proximity to the APU/Citrus College Gold Line Station – less than a block from the campus – Citrus College provides a unique higher education option for students seeking low-cost, convenient transportation. Perhaps that's the reason Citrus College students have advocated for the Foothill Extension of the Gold Line for more than a decade. Even today, their commitment to public transportation remains strong. Last spring, 83 percent of them voted to increase their student fees so they could be part of the Class Pass program, which allows them to purchase low-cost transit passes for unlimited rides on Foothill Transit Local and Silver Streak bus lines.

Close proximity to a light-rail station isn't the only reason students are enrolling in increasing numbers at Citrus College. The college has long been recognized for excellence among its peer institutions. This year, Citrus College was voted "Favorite College" and "Favorite Career College" by the readers of the San Gabriel Valley News Group, and Citrus College was awarded the "Gold" distinction for being the "Best Community College" in Beacon Media Readers' Choice Awards. Once again, the college was ranked among the top 100 community colleges in the nation for awarding associate degrees for transfer, and Citrus College continued to be named a "STEM Jobs Approved College" and a "Military Friendly School" by GI Jobs magazine.

While it's gratifying to know that the efforts of students, employees, college leaders and board members were instrumental in connecting locales west and southwest to the many outstanding programs offered by Citrus College, we know that there is still work to be done. In December, Citrus College will be the site of a groundbreaking ceremony for the next phase of the Foothill Gold Line, which will take the line east from the APU/Citrus College Station to Montclair.

One day, graduates of Citrus College will take the Gold Line to continue their education at prestigious four-year colleges and universities, or they will travel to rewarding careers and exciting destinations throughout our region and beyond.