Following are background information for Measure X
Dear Community Leaders:
The San Jose-Evergreen Community College District has provided affordable college education to those
in our region for nearly 100 years. Students graduating high school, single head of households, working
families, and returning veterans have all been able to find affordable education that has led to well-paying
jobs in the South Bay. Our current needs and priorities require some discussion to help keep our
commitment to our community.
Tuitions at four-year colleges and universities are on the rise, making higher education more difficult to
afford. Many students turn to our community colleges as a way to continue their education and career
training. But without necessary repairs and upgrades, we cannot continue to maintain our standards of
excellence. We must continue to acquire 21st Century technology and equipment if we are to be at the
forefront of providing instruction in nursing, engineering, and computer technology.
We recently surveyed the community to identify key priorities that were defined as:
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Preparing students to transfer to four-year college systems such as University of California and
California State Universities. -
Providing technical education to prepare students for careers in growing fields like
biotechnology. -
Creating jobs and career pathways in high paying fields like nursing, engineering, and computer
technology. -
Better preparing returning veterans for the current job market.
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Repairing leaky roofs and deteriorating gas, water, and sewer lines.
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Replacing outdated electrical wiring.
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Improving safety and security.
We seek your comments as we encourage a district-wide conversation on what our priorities and needs
should be. Please take a few moments of your time to fill out the enclosed Community Feedback Form.
Also, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at
Community.Feedback@sjeccd.edu.
Sincerely,
We want to hear from you on your priorities for San Jose City and Evergreen Valley College.
Please give us your feedback.
San José-Evergreen Community College District's total population is 835,511 (Census 2010), comprised of 3% African American/Black, 36% Asian Pacific Islander, 36% Latino/Hispanic, 24% Caucasian/White/European American, and ‹1% Native American/American Indian or Alaska Native. Of those among the total population who are of voting age (18+ years old), there are 3% African American/Black, 36% Asian Pacific Islander, 32% Latino/Hispanic, 27% Caucasian/White/European American, and ‹1% Native American/American Indian or Alaska Native.
It's never too early to start to instill the idea of a college education in a child. And, that's what takes place every year in April when nearly 2000 kindergarteners from the Alum Rock Union School District visit Evergreen Valley College and San José City College to experience "KinderCaminata" the annual child-oriented "career fair" that provides children a promise of higher education.
The students meet face-to-face with police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and others. They also participate in arts and crafts activities. KinderCaminata started in Southern California in 1994 and has since expanded to other California colleges. KinderCaminata coincides with
El Dia Del Niño (Day of the Child) and is a very special holiday in Mexico and Central America when families and schools let their children know how much they are loved. It is the San José-Evergreen Community College District's intention, through KinderCaminata, to provide the same care and support in partnership with the schools and families in our community.
Kindergartners from the Alum Rock School District arrived at San Jose City College for a day filled with fun, excitement, new sights, and big dreams. The College President, faculty, staff, and our college students greet kindergartners, parents, and teachers. Various departments such as METAS, Reading Writing Center, Chemistry, Dental, Cosmetology, Mathematics, Campus Bookstore, Art, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, and Football teamed up with San Jose Water Company, San Jose Library, VTA, San Jose Police Department, Country Federal, and Reading Partners to provide activities for each of the kindergartners. Members of the college community came together for this annual event to introduce kindergartners to our welcoming college environment. Research has shown that the earlier you introduce higher education in a child's life, the more likely they are to succeed and attend college. Evergreen Valley College and San Jose City College value our relationship with the community, and sowing the seed of a college-going culture for our young children is one of the ways we help build a better future for our community.
