Community Supports Butte College Vision For Affordable Education
Community Supports Butte College Vision For Affordable Education & Job Training/Workforce Preparation
November 18, 2015
A recently commissioned independent survey of Butte College constituents shows that residents strongly support the College's affordable education and job training/workforce preparation programs. Furthermore, the survey, conducted October 14th through October 19th by the highly respected opinion research firm of FM3 Research, shows as much as 64% of respondents would support a local education funding measure to improve and upgrade the College—keeping all such funding local—in November 2016, well above the 55% threshold needed for passage.
"The cost to attend public universities in California continues to rise," said Butte College Interim President Dr. Samia Yaqub. "More local students, veterans and their families are relying on Butte College to earn college credits, certifications, and skills to obtain high-paying jobs at an affordable price."
"Repairs and upgrades at our local community colleges are needed to support vital educational, job-training and college transfer programs and ensure Butte College remains a strong, affordable educational resource for current students as well as future generations," added Dr. Yaqub.
Key educational priorities of interest to respondents include preparing students and returning veterans for university transfer and high-paying jobs; improving and maintaining nursing and law-enforcement programs, improving and maintaining technical education in welding among other vocational education programs, and providing career pathways for returning veterans.
"Butte College provides essential job training and workforce preparation for students of all ages," said Dr. Yaqub. "Additional funds would support and upgrade sites that support nursing, welding and law enforcement programs, among others."
"Butte College serves an especially important role in our communities in training, educating and supporting returning veterans for future careers." added Dr. Yaqub. "These programs are highly valued by our community."
The District will be considering the results of the survey and continuing to work with the community, faculty and key stakeholders over the coming weeks to address Butte College's facility needs and how best to continue to address these priorities into the future.
