MiraCosta College President Appointed to Lead Task Force to Increase Workforce and Job Creation

OCEANSIDE, CA — MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Dr. Sunita Cooke has accepted a position to lead the Task Force on Workforce, Job Creation, and a Strong Economy.

Dr. Cooke and her team are charged with developing policies to prepare more students for existing high-value jobs and promoting job creation with workforce training. Ultimately, the goal is to increase the number of individuals qualified to fill in-demand, skilled jobs; to help our system be more responsive to industry needs; and to enhance the number of jobs supporting the economy of California.

“It is an honor working with the very knowledgeable members of the workforce task force, who represent our California community colleges, industry-based organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, workforce investment boards, and other community organizations to consider input from the field and make recommendations to improve our workforce training system,” says Dr. Cooke.

The task force’s work began in December 2014 with meetings at various community colleges, where staff and faculty members were asked what they think should be changed so that schools can be more responsive to employer needs.

The second phase began in January 2015 with town hall meetings across the state at which the task force will hear from elected officials, business leaders, economic development agencies, schools, labor and the public.

To see the calendar of events for the task force, go to doingwhatmatters.cccco.edu/StrongWorkforce/Events.aspx.

Featured

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Minnesota District Starts Construction on Early Childhood Learning Center

    Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in Sauk Rapids, Minn., recently announced that construction has begun on a new early childhood learning center and a new outdoor activities complex, according to a news release.

  • Rowan University, HPE Partner on New Learning Initiative

    Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., recently announced that it has expanded its partnership with enterprise technology provider HPE to improve research capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a news release.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.