California’s Revolutionary Approach to Community College Bachelor’s Degrees
In the pursuit of higher education, many Californians face challenges such as cost, inflexible schedules, and limited local options. As a result, nearly half of the state’s adults have not pursued further education. However, California has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, 70% of working-age adults should hold a college degree or certificate. To achieve this, the state must overcome barriers and offer innovative solutions.
Cerritos College, located in Norwalk, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative that could change the landscape of higher education in California. They have introduced a first-of-its-kind bachelor’s degree program in field ironworker supervision, developed in collaboration with the California Field Ironworkers. This program provides a direct pathway from apprenticeship to high-paying supervisory roles, catering to the needs of working professionals in the ironworking industry.
The program’s design includes flexible online coursework to accommodate the busy schedules of full-time ironworkers, making it accessible and convenient for those already in the workforce. With over 1,300 supervisor job openings annually in Los Angeles County alone, this program not only fills critical workforce gaps but also contributes to regional social and economic mobility.
The impact of earning a bachelor’s degree through this program is substantial. First-line supervisors with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $34,000 more annually than those with a high school diploma or associate degree. Moreover, the total tuition cost of under $11,000 is significantly lower than that of public universities, allowing students to recoup their investment in as little as four months.
One of the program’s success stories is Rocio Campos, an ironworker and mother who defied societal norms to pursue a career in construction. Balancing work, family, and education, Rocio participated in the field ironworker apprenticeship program at Cerritos College, aiming to further her career by earning a bachelor’s degree in ironworker supervision. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of community college bachelor’s degree programs in changing lives and breaking barriers.
Empowering Underrepresented Communities
Community college bachelor’s degrees play a crucial role in empowering underrepresented communities. At Cerritos College, 73% of students in the ironworker apprenticeship program come from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity. Efforts to actively recruit more women into the traditionally male-dominated field of ironworking are also underway, creating opportunities for individuals who may not have considered a career in this industry otherwise.
These programs not only increase wages but also provide economic mobility by helping workers build stability, advance their careers, and elevate their families’ financial security. By offering bachelor’s degree programs in fields like health care, technology, and public safety, community colleges address California’s urgent need for skilled professionals while opening doors for students who may not have pursued a traditional four-year degree.
Challenges and Opportunities
While several community colleges have received provisional approval to launch bachelor’s degree programs, obstacles remain. Objections from public universities, particularly within the CSU system, have stalled the progress of many proposals. Despite the potential benefits of these programs in meeting workforce demands and serving a diverse student population, they face unnecessary roadblocks that hinder their full implementation.
The final approval of these programs rests with the California Community Colleges board of governors, highlighting the need for broader policy support to ensure their success. Expanding community college bachelor’s degree programs is essential to strengthening industries, creating more opportunities, and positioning California as a leader in workforce innovation. Policymakers, industry leaders, and educators must come together to support these initiatives and invest in the future of the state.
Jose Fierro, the president/superintendent of Cerritos College, believes in the transformative power of community college bachelor’s degree programs in shaping the future of education and workforce development. As California continues to strive towards higher education goals, these innovative programs hold the key to unlocking opportunities for individuals across the state.
