As we enter the New Year, several economists are reporting signs of growth in the economy and predicting a brighter future. I am very thankful because last year the education system suffered tremendously. Reduced funding to our schools translated into teacher layoffs, more students per classroom and reduced enrichment programs for our children. Pasadena City College was no exception. Our revenues from Sacramento were reduced by millions of dollars. Payment deferrals were significantly increased forcing us to explore creative ways to meet our financial obligations. I am happy to report that despite budgetary constraints, PCC has managed to weather the storm without laying off any key staff, or furlough faculty unlike other community colleges. We continue to fulfill our primary goal of increasing student accessibility and success.
The following highlights a few of the accomplishments in 2011 that focus on PCC's commitment to our students as well as to the communities we serve:
First, the Board conducted meetings in each trustee's district to increase visibility in the community and to encourage participation from parents and community members. The meetings also introduced the community to a number of programs available to students to help them achieve their educational goals. Our initial and subsequent meetings held at Jackie Robinson were well attended.
Second, in April we reintroduced the "Super Sunday" outreach program to numerous African American churches which encourages students to enroll at PCC. We have also increased the number of students in the Ujima Program to promote and support their success at PCC.
Third, for the first time last fall, in-district high school students who planned to attend PCC received priority registration. This action addressed complaints from constituents that in-district students were unable to register for required classes.
Fourth, last fall, also for the first time, a group of faculty members at PCC created a program, "First Year Experience," for incoming students who needed basic skills. One component of the program is "One Book, One Campus." All students in the program were required to read the same book, The Pact, in their Basic English class. The Pact is an autobiography of three friends, African-American teenagers growing up poor in Newark, New Jersey, who made a pact to go to college and become doctors. The three authors, who are now doctors, spoke at PCC on November 18. They shared their journey and provided testimony to reassure our students that, in spite of circumstances, they can succeed. I am pleased that a good number of middle school students and community members were able to attend.
Fifth, in May during PCC joint board meeting with Pasadena Unified School District, PCC Board members renewed their commitment to the "2+2+2 Pathway Degree Program" between Pasadena Unified School District and California State University Los Angeles. The 2+2+2 program facilitates a smooth pathway from high school to college. High school students can enter the 2+2+2 program as early as the 10th grade. They are paired with a mentor who stays with them throughout the program. Students can complete the basic skills requirements while still in high school. When they begin at PCC, students in the program are guaranteed a 20–course /60 unit sequences of courses that lead to California State University Associate Arts degree or General Education Transfer Curriculum Certification. Upon graduating from PCC students are guaranteed entrance as a junior to Cal State L.A. The program culminates in a bachelor's degree.
I encourage parents to explore the "2+2+2 Pathway Degree Program" to engage their high school youth and prepare them for a smooth and supportive transition to higher education.
Finally, Pasadena City College is committed to increasing student accessibility and student success. And, I am proud to report that we have renewed and /or implemented several programs to achieve this goal. One example is the creation of additional pathways leading to Associate degrees or Certificates of Achievement. This increase in the number of pathways provides our students with more program choices in order to achieve their educational goals in a timely manner.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to be elected as Trustee for District 3 and I will continue to work diligently to serve students and community members.
