California Nonprofit Launches Career Readiness Pilot Program for State’s Community Colleges

Dr. Su Jin JezCalifornia Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy has launched a pilot program to improve career readiness in the state’s community colleges, according to the nonprofit.

California Competes will be using a $500,000 grant from ECMC Foundation for this endeavor, which started in April and will last two years.

The nonprofit will work with central Los Angeles community colleges to improve workforce development programs. These schools include Compton College, El Camino College, Los Angeles Southwest College, and West Los Angeles College.

California Competes is also working with L.A. County to support connections to county-administered social services and workforce development programs.

“Colleges and the local government in which they reside have shared goals to promote the economic success of its community members, and so, career readiness is a shared responsibility,” said California Competes executive director Dr. Su Jin Jez. “With ECMC Foundation’s investment, we can create a blueprint for cohesiveness and intention around career readiness and workforce development efforts—across institutions, government agencies, and employers—that will optimize education-to-work transitions for students and promote economic prosperity for not only the individuals but also for the wider local and state economies.”