Trends:
Looking forward over the next three years, State Center Community College District faces numerous challenges including demographic changes, new graduation requirements, tightening budgets and shifting skills needed for success in the workforce. Variables outside of our control include state and federal economic uncertainty and changing political administrations.
State
legislation has added new math and English requirements for all associate
degrees effective in the fall of 2009. With placement tests showing that
70% of all students entering SCCCD fall below the basic skill levels
in math and
English, we see that resources will also need to be dedicated to preparatory
classes in both areas.
Perhaps the greatest challenges will come from state and regional demographics and economics. In December 2006, The Economist reported that the San Joaquin Valley has approximately the same percentage of residents living in poverty as the Central Appalachian Region. Fresno has the most concentrated poverty in the United States, as defined by the share of people living in areas where more than 40% of the population is poor.
High regional unemployment
may be
tied to education levels below state averages. In 2006, 27% of residents
of Fresno County over age 25 had less than a high school diploma compared
with
19% of Californians. Twenty percent of Californians had earneb a bachelor’s
degree, while only 13% of Fresno County residents had achieved that level
of education. Attainment of an associate’s degree increases median income
from $20,000 to $30,000, and attainment of a bachelor’s degree increases
the median income to $40,000. Numerous local organizations, including the
Regional Jobs Initiative (RJI), California Partnership for the San Joaquin
Valley and the Central Valley Business Incubator Project are working to
improve the region’s economic outlook. SCCCD
will need to collaborate with current and new partners to improve workforce
development. 
More than one in four people living in California was born outside of the United States. Mexican-born immigrants make up the largest portion of those immigrants. By the year 2010, 52% of the population of the San Joaquin Valley is projected to be Hispanic, whereas that figure only reaches 39% on a statewide level. Specific education and training will be necessary not only for employment but also for naturalization as US citizens. Additionally, by the year 2010, one eighth of the population will be members of the 55 – 64 age group. This group, collectively, has more money to invest and spend than any other age group. This affects SCCCD in two ways: an increase in demand by these individuals for enrichment classes and training; and the need to provide the workforce with skills for providing for the unique medical, housing and other needs of senior citizens.
SCCCD faces challenges that are inherent with growth. The recent addition of the Willow/International Center to the North Centers, plans for a new educational site in Southeast Fresno, and the planned changes to the Old Administration Building at Fresno City College all position the District to serve more Valley students and meet the needs of its diverse population. In return, we must communicate clearly with the community about our plans and work closely with local high schools, four-year colleges and businesses.
Over the next three years, SCCCD must simultaneously adjust to budgetary restrictions and adapt curriculum to fit the needs of an aging and increasingly diverse population, all while remaining up-to-the minute with current technology across the District. Adequate planning will be the key to success on all fronts.