21 April 2010, Oakland, CA – Laney College and the Peralta Community College Board of Trustees announced today the release of the 2010 Laney College Educational Master Plan, a multi-year roadmap to guide the historic Oakland institution’s growth and development. The plan advances the institution’s role in aiding regional economic recovery with programs designed to provide students with the education and job skills 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,” expressed Dr. Elñora Webb, Laney College Acting 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 high unemployment numbers, 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 in order to meet the community’s needs.
The Educational Master Plan prescribes objectives for each of Laney’s areas of educational focus: associate degrees & certificate programs, transfer education, career and technical education, and foundation skills education. Those goals include:
Associate Degrees & Certificate Programs
• An accredited California community college, Laney offers 44 Associate of Arts and Science Degrees as well as 35 Certificate Programs
Transfer Education
• Increasing the number of students transferring to 4-year institutions, particularly students from under-served populations
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
Foundation Skills Education
• Developing a cohesive curriculum to provide foundation 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 to leverage resources for maximum impact. 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 higher education and the workforce. 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 increase graduates from community college by five million by the year 2020. Laney is currently collaborating with the National Science Foundation on programs such as Building Automation, Building Performance and Energy Efficiency. This is an interdisciplinary accelerated one-year curriculum, funded by the Bechtel Foundation.
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. This program 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.
Students enrolled in these two green career curricula programs attend classes five days a week in a 31-unit-course of study in environmental control technology, carpentry, architecture, electrical technology, and engineering. Graduates will be qualified for 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 hall meetings 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.
For more information, contact Public Information Officer Eliza Y Chan at elizachan@peralta.edu or 510-464-3161.
