Strong Workforce
The law related to the Strong Workforce Program
What does it say in a nutshell?
The Strong Workforce Program aims to enhance career technical education (CTE) in California’s Community Colleges by aligning educational programs with workforce needs. Since the 2017-18 fiscal year, up to 5% of the program’s budget is allocated for statewide initiatives, including labor market analysis, data reporting, and fostering partnerships to improve regional workforce alignment. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors, in partnership with the California Workforce Development Board and other agencies, oversees these initiatives to ensure they meet state and regional economic demands.
Program funding is divided between regional consortia (40%) and individual community
college districts (60%). This funding supports projects addressing local economic
priorities, including workforce training programs, especially those targeting recovery
from the COVID-19 pandemic. To receive funding, districts must be part of a consortium,
use the funds to support job placement, and implement work-based learning opportunities
aligned with employer needs.
Allocations are based on regional unemployment, CTE student enrollment, projected
job openings, and workforce outcomes. Each district must also participate in four-year
planning, provide labor market data, and collaborate with local universities and agencies.
These measures are designed to increase CTE program enrollment, expand workforce pathways,
and ensure program resources supplement existing funding, fostering stronger links
between education and employment.
Here are the initiatives that have been funded at Cerritos College under this program.
Each round differentiates between the regional and local programs.
Round 9: Start 7/1/2025 - End 06/30/2026
Round 8: Start 7/1/2024 - End 06/30/2025
Round 7: Start 7/1/2022 - End 06/30/2024
Round 6: Start 7/1/2021 - End 12/31/2023
Round 5: Start 7/1/2020 - End 6/30/2022
Round 4: Start 7/1/2019 - End 12/31/2021
Round 3: Start 7/1/2018 - End 12/31/2020
Los angeles regional consortia- regional plan 2024-2027:
ENHANCEMENT FUND:
important memos from the chancellor's office:
- 2023 Memo: In this 2023 memo, issued by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, they outlined expanded uses of SWP funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with a focus on supporting CTE programs. This included funding for student grants to cover fees for third-party certification and licensing, which were essential for employment in various industries. SWP funds could also be used to enhance student services aimed at retention, work experience, and job placement, directly impacting student achievement and career readiness. Additionally, SWP funding supported integrated educational programs that connected academic curricula to real-world experiences, such as apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning. These efforts were designed to help students acquire hands-on training while earning credentials aligned with industry demands.
- 2016 Memo: In this 2016 memo, issued by the regional consortia, at the inception of the strong workforce program, we received directions on what was appropriate. The Guidelines, Definitions, and Reasonable Standards for Strong Workforce Funding Investment outlined key principles for ensuring the effective use of funds for community college career technical education (CTE) programs. The document emphasized that funding should supplement, not replace, existing educational resources, with a focus on improving CTE course offerings and pathways that led to successful workforce outcomes. Funds were required to align with regional labor market demands, informed by data, and avoid duplication of efforts with existing regional partnerships. Non-allowable activities included entertainment, lobbying, personal expenses, and fundraising, ensuring funds were used prudently. Community college districts had to adhere to fiscal policies and collaborate within regional consortia to ensure local and regional investments aligned with workforce needs. Additionally, districts were required to provide evidence of demand for workers in targeted CTE programs and demonstrate alignment with local, regional, and state labor market information. The guidelines encouraged a strategic approach to investment that fostered job readiness, career exploration, and industry engagement, while ensuring accountability and efficiency in the use of public resources.
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