MORE THAN A PROMISE
THE NORTH ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT REIMAGINES EDUCATION
N
orth Orange County is blessed with a plethora of higher
The program was launched at a fundraising event on October 19, 2017,
education options. But even as the choices of where
during which Disneyland Resort pledged a $50,000 endowment to
to go for an education multiply, studies show that it is
show its support of higher education and the North Orange Promise.
taking students an ever-increasing amount of time to reach their
“We applaud the North Orange County Community College District
educational goals. In the past, students have been able to move
for launching the Promise program in the community we have
through community college in two years—now the average is four years. The same with getting a “four year” education—many students take five or six years to get their degrees. That extra time comes with a cost: more student debt and less economic mobility. At the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD), new leadership has tackled this issue of how to move students faster—from high school, to college, onto degrees, certificates, and jobs. The administrations at the District, Fullerton College, Cypress College, and North Orange Continuing Education are intent on creating new processes and programs that help students with affording college, becoming more directed in their studies, and
called home for over 60 years,” said Jill Bolton, director of corporate citizenship, Disneyland Resort. “Our support is part of our long-standing commitment to Anaheim students and the education community.”
GUIDED PATHWAYS Another obstacle students face is selecting a major or deciding on career goals when they enter into college. There are literally hundreds of programs, degrees, and certificates to choose from. Many incoming students have not had sufficient opportunity to identify their strengths and interests, and they are unfamiliar with how different majors connect to possible careers. That’s where “Guided Pathways”
securing jobs faster.
comes in. The basic idea is that instead of the old “cafeteria-style”
THE NORTH ORANGE PROMISE
instead creates a clear and cohesive structure for students to choose
The need for a college-educated workforce is greater than ever. By 2020 more than 60 percent of U.S. jobs will require postsecondary education. Unfortunately, the cost of higher education is prohibitive for a great many students. In October 2017, the North Orange County Community College District launched the “North Orange Promise,” an innovative program that will increase college accessibility and affordability for incoming freshmen from the Anaheim Union High School District who attend Fullerton College, Cypress College, or North Orange Continuing Education. The North Orange Promise guarantees a tuition-free first year for qualifying students, with the added incentives of free book rentals and priority registration. “We are dedicated to expanding the educational opportunities for our community,” said NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Cheryl Marshall. “The
model of presenting courses without context, Guided Pathways from. NOCCCD recognizes the power of this system of simplification and has begun to redesign its programs and services to improve the student experience along the four guided pathways pillars: 1) create clear curricular pathways to employment and further education, 2) help students get on a path, 3) keep students on a path, and 4) ensure that students are learning along their path. “One of the main cornerstones of Guided Pathways is the creation of Meta Majors,” said Cypress College President Dr. JoAnna Schilling. “These are really areas of interest that a student chooses before declaring a specific major which help them to make informed decisions. Cypress College will be creating these Meta Majors, with the input of students and staff during the 2017-18 year, with the goal of having these in place for students by fall 2019.”
North Orange Promise will ensure that college remains accessible
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC INTERNSHIPS
for every student with the will to learn.”
The last part of the student’s journey is often to seek employment.
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