Laney College and the Peralta Community College Board of Trustees recently released the 2010 Educational Master Plan, a multi-year roadmap to guide the downtown Oakland institution’s growth and development. The plan furthers the institution’s role in aiding regional economic recovery with programs designed to provide students with the job skills and education necessary to enter the workforce. The plan responds to current economic conditions with innovative solutions designed to maximize resources while placing Laney on a path to lead meaningful change.
“On a daily basis, Laney College transforms lives, develops our regional workforce, and helps create healthy conditions for our community,” said Dr. Elnora Webb, Laney College President. “With this plan in place, we are poised to meet the changing needs of the community and expand our role as a leader in higher education
With unemployment numbers on the rise, community colleges throughout the country have experienced a significant increase in enrollment and interest over the past year as workers seek new skills and education. Through the Educational Master Plan, Laney responds to this trend with an emphasis on workforce development and partnership with business, government, and philanthropy.
The Educational Master plan prescribes objectives for each of Laney’s three areas of educational focus: transfer education, career and technical education, and foundation skills education. Those goals include:
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Transfer Education
- Increasing the number of students transferring to 4-year institutions, particularly students from under-served populations
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Career and Technical Education
- Increasing the number of partnerships with businesses, foundations, and government.
- Preparing students for the workforce with exceptional technical skills and the foundational competencies necessary for success.
- Shaping curricula to meet the changing needs of today’s economy.
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Foundation Skills Education
- Developing a cohesive curriculum to provide basic skills training.
In order to achieve these goals, the Educational Master Plan outlines a course of action focused on maximizing existing resources and seeking out new means to provide exceptional educational opportunities. Laney will work to create new partnerships with local businesses, foundations, and government. Through the plan, Laney prepares for every possible fiscal scenario with innovative, responsible solutions.
“Laney College is a critical engine for the regional economy,” added Dr. Webb. “In this time of economic turmoil, Laney education and skills training are in higher demand than ever as members of the community seek new ways to enter the workforce and higher education. In this time of increased need, our resources are being significantly reduced by unprecedented state budget cuts. This plan responds to the emerging economic realities with a deep commitment to the smart use of resources.”
Laney is already recognized as an innovator in higher education, standing at the forefront of the green jobs and sustainability initiatives. Many of the school’s programs are in direct alignment with President Obama’s American Graduation initiative, a $12 billion proposal to add five million graduates from community college by 2020. Laney is currently collaborating with the National Science Foundation on programs such as Building Automation and Building Performance and Energy Efficiency. Earlier this year, Laney launched The Oakland Green Jobs Corps, a program that trains East Bay students in technical skills for energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy.
Laney students are participating in two innovative green career curriculums — Oakland Green Jobs Corps and Building Performance and Energy Efficiency Program (BPEEP). The Green Jobs Corp is funded by a $1 million grant from the California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program. Laney is one of 34 recipients in this $27 million statewide initiative. BPEEP is an interdisciplinary accelerated one-year curriculum, funded by the Bechtel Foundation.
Students attend classes five days a week in a 31-unit-course of study in environmental control technology, carpentry, architecture, electrical, and engineering. Graduates will be qualified for immediate employment in weatherization, energy auditing, diagnostic assessments, and energy efficiency retrofitting as well as a wide range of career and continuing education options in the growing clean energy economy.
Laney’s Educational Master Plan was created through a uniquely transparent and inclusive process incorporating the participation of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. Over an eight month period, the planning committee held town halls and workshops, seeking full participation from every segment of the Laney College community. The plan also utilizes evidence-based prioritization to make certain that the most crucial objectives are met first. A full system of accountability will ensure that the priorities of the Master plan are implemented in the days and years ahead.
The master plan and more information can be viewed at Educational Master Plan.
Filed under: Miscellaneous. Tagged: educational master plan, laney college
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