To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Report Title: Accept resolution acknowledging 75th Anniversary of the Contra Costa Community College District
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Accept resolution acknowledging 75th Anniversary of the Contra Costa Community College District
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has been a vital part of Contra Costa County for 75 years and was founded by a public vote and approved by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 1948. The 4CD Board will commemorate the 75th Anniversary at their meeting on December 13, 2023 at 6pm 500 Courts Street, Martinez.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF Recognizing 75th Anniversary of the Contra Costa Community College District
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has been a vital part of Contra Costa County for 75 years and was founded by a public vote and approved by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 1948; and
WHEREAS, 4CD is one of the largest multi-college districts in California 4CD, serving a population of 1,200,997, with its boundaries encompassing all but 48 of the 734-square mile land area of Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, 4CD has three colleges: Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College, with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College, with locations in Pittsburg and Brentwood, and has a District Office located in historic downtown Martinez; and
WHEREAS, 4CD is governed by an elected five-member Governing Board who serve four-year terms, one student member who is selected by student government districtwide and serves a one-year term on a rotational basis among the colleges, and a Chancellor, who is appointed by the Governing Board and carries out the policies of 4CD; and
WHEREAS, for 75 years, 4CD has continued to encourage people of all ages to take advantage of an incomparable array of educational choices, including studies leading to an associate of arts degree for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, short-term training to update professional skills, and specialized career education programs, many in partnerships with business and industry to help build a strong workforce in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, each semester 4CD’s colleges offer more than 3,500 day, evening, weekend and online class sections. Classes range from music, to computers, to managing a small business, to nursing and more. Many students pursue certificate programs and associate in arts or associate in science degrees. 4CD’s colleges offer many Associate Degrees for Transfer, and 60-unit programs, that upon completion, guarantee admission as a junior to a California State University; and
WHEREAS, the mission of 4CD is to empower all students to fulfill their educational and career aspirations and thrive in the modern world. 4CD is dedicated to continuously increasing its ability to serve the evolving needs of its students and community by providing accessible, equitable, innovative and outstanding higher education learning opportunities and support services; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is proud of the innovative partnerships it has with 4CD, including the recent Memorandum of Understanding associated with the 2022 passage of Assembly Bill 2627, to promote college access to traditionally low-enrolled populations including emancipated foster youth, military veterans, unemployed and underemployed, and justice-involved individuals; and
WHEREAS, 4CD is steadfast in making all decisions about resources and policies to be informed by looking at access and success data through an equity lens which are based on five strategic directions, which are fully aligned with 4CD’s mission and values, and each contribute to an overarching vision that affords each and every student an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams in an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging; and
WHEREAS, 4CD is a major Contra Costa County employer, with over 3,600 employees, which includes part-time faculty, full-time faculty, classified professionals, managers and supervisors and student employees, comprised of the following demographic: 11% African American, 17% Asian, 23% Hispanic, 6% two or more races, 37% White Non-Hispanic and 6% unknown, and contributes greatly to the local economy both in its spending and preparedness of tomorrow’s workforce.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognizes and congratulates the Contra Costa Community College District on its 75-year legacy of service to our community, and thanks them for their contribution to our local economy and quality of life.
end