New Online College Gets the Go-Ahead from Governor

Project FLOW to provide skills and training for working adults

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FOR IMMEDIATEL RELEASE: January 11, 2018

Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878

NORWALK, Calif. – January 11, 2018 – Governor Jerry Brown announced funding for a new online community college in the 2018-19 California budget proposal on January 10. The online college initiative is part of Project FLOW (Flex Learning Options for Workers) that aims to serve working adults who need skills and credentials to improve their lives, but cannot access traditional college courses. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office estimates that 2.5 million California workers would benefit from credentials or additional training to succeed in today’s economy. However, the traditional college model is not accessible for many residents who have work and family obligations.

Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College, was appointed to the statewide leadership team where he serves as co-chair of Project FLOW. Dr. Fierro has a strong background in online curriculum development. FLOW was created to address disparities in higher education among marginalized communities across the state. Currently, there are three online models under review, including a single existing college that could host an online platform, and a consortium of campuses that would collaborate to create an online college. The third option would create an entirely new online college that would become the 115th campus in California. Operations support for this option would be provided by the Chancellor’s office.

“The governor’s new budget proposal reflects continued efforts to make community college accessible and affordable. More than ever, leveling the education and skills gap across the state is a critical component to our economic future. Project FLOW gives California a fresh, innovative model that will provide access to more workers with the aim to increase economic opportunity,” said Dr. Jose Fierro.

For more information about the online college project FLOW, go to http://ccconlinecollege.org.

 

About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at https://www.cerritos.edu/.

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