SDCCD : Governor Signs Bill Opening Door To More Bachelor's Degrees At California Community Colleges ...

Press release from San Diego Community College District:

October 6, 2021

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed historic legislation that expands and
makes permanent the state’s pilot program allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s
degrees in specific workforce fields not offered by the University of California or
California State University.

Assembly Bill 927 eliminates the 2026 sunset date on 15 existing baccalaureate degree
programs and opens the door to as many as 30 new bachelor’s programs per year at any
of the state’s 116 community colleges. The bill was sponsored by the Chair of the
Assembly Higher Education Committee, Jose Medina (D-Riverside).

“I am grateful to the Legislature and Governor Newsom for supporting this significant
bill that will go far in making baccalaureate degrees affordable, accessible, and
applicable to many California students,” said Assemblymember Medina. “I am honored
to have continued the work of Senators Marty Block and Jerry Hill in solidifying the
baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges.” 

A recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) identified the
need for more than 1 million bachelor’s degree holders in California in the coming
decade, especially in critical workforce fields. The PPIC found that, in order to
keep up with the demand for a college-educated workforce, the state would need to
increase the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded by 40%.

The bill establishes a process for the California Community Colleges Chancellor to consult with and seek feedback from the California State University
and University of California systems on proposed baccalaureate degrees and would require
individual districts seeking approval to provide evidence of unmet workforce needs.

The baccalaureate degree pilot program was established when Governor Jerry Brown in
2014 signed Senate Bill 850, sponsored by then state Senator Marty Block. The bill
allowed 15 colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in specific workforce fields. The
program was set to end in 2023, but subsequent legislation from state Senator Jerry
Hill extended the program’s sunset date to July 2026.

Constance M. Carroll, Ph.D., president and CEO of the California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association, said the bill is urgently needed given the state’s evolving workforce needs. Carroll
co-chairs statewide legislative efforts advocating for the baccalaureate program with
Foothill-De Anza Community College District Chancellor Judy C. Miner, Ed.D.

“This is a historic decision that sets a bold direction for California’s 116 community
colleges, enabling them to meet the workforce needs of local communities in an accessible,
affordable, and high quality manner,” said Carroll, who recently retired after serving
17 years as chancellor of the San Diego Community College District. “We in the community
college baccalaureate coalition are grateful to Assemblymember Medina and Governor
Newsom for placing California in the list of the 25 states that authorize this function
for their community colleges. This is a great decision and a win-win for students.” 

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office has found that more than half of students
surveyed would not have pursued a bachelor’s degree if their community college program
had not been offered. Approximately 60% of students enrolled in a community college
baccalaureate program come from communities of color and disadvantaged backgrounds
and are paying a little more than $10,000 — a fraction of what it would cost them
at private institutions.

This press release was produced by San Diego Community College District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.