Eighteen programs recognized for boosting graduates' careers

Posted on: May 17, 2018 8:00:00 AM
In: Grossmont, District, Cuyamaca
Academics
Contact: Anne Krueger anne.krueger@gcccd.edu

Eighteen workforce programs at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have received state recognition for their success in boosting the salaries and careers of their graduates.

The programs were recognized as Strong Workforce Stars, an annual recognition by the California Community Colleges honoring career education programs that show significant gains in factors that advance social mobility – a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage and a job closely matched with the graduate’s field of study.

Grossmont College’s nursing program achieved all three metrics and was awarded a Gold Star. Four other Grossmont College programs received Silver Stars for reaching two of the three metrics. Five Grossmont College programs and eight Cuyamaca College programs were awarded a Bronze Star for reaching one of the employment goals.

“This recognition highlights the value of a community college education,” said Cindy L. Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. “Our graduates are getting rewarding jobs that support their families, and they are contributing to the economic health of East County.”

The Strong Workforce Stars were given to career education programs throughout California that met one or more of these thresholds:

• An increase in earnings by 50 percent or more.
• Attainment of the regional living wage by 70 percent or more.
• Employment by 90 percent or more in a job similar to their field of study.

Grossmont College’s nursing program was recognized with a gold star because 77 percent of its graduates increased their earnings, 83 percent attained a regional living wage, and 100 percent are employed in a job similar to their field of study.

Silver stars were awarded to these Grossmont College programs:

• Orthopedic Technology: 165% increase in earnings and 79% of students attained regional living wage.
• Cardiovascular Technology: 161% increase in earnings and 91% of students attained regional living wage.
• Respiratory Therapy: 55% increase in earnings and 100% of students employed in job similar to study.
• Management: 71% of students attained regional living wage and 100% employed in job similar to field of study.

 Bronze stars were awarded to these Grossmont College programs:

•  Business and Commerce:100% of students employed in similar job
• Child Development: 56% increase in earnings
• Administration of Justice: 54% increase in earnings
• Culinary Arts: 152% increase in earnings
• Information Technology: 114% increase in earnings

 Eight programs at Cuyamaca College also were awarded bronze Strong Workforce stars. They are:

• Automotive Technology: 66% increase in earnings
• Environmental Technology: 85% of students attained regional living wage
• Business and Commerce: 63% increase in earnings
• Real Estate: 53% increase in earnings
• Water and Wastewater Technology: 84% of students attained regional living wage
• Office Technology: 112% increase in earnings
• Computer Networking: 85% of students attained regional living wage
• Graphic Arts: 78% increase in earnings

A Grossmont College nursing student