Strong Workforce Program

In 2016, California committed $248 million in annual investments for growing and improving career and technical education with a goal of creating more than one million additional middle-skill workers. Strong Workforce initiatives rely on workforce/employment data to drive programs, economic development partnerships, and career pathways and curriculum at California’s 115 community colleges.

Our region, spanning from Sacramento to the Oregon border, has received $210 million since the inception of the program and is driven by the call for “more and better” CTE programs. The “more” is increasing the number of students enrolled in programs leading to high-demand, high-wage jobs. The “better” is improving program quality, as evidenced by more students completing or transferring programs, gaining employment, or improving earnings. Key sectors in our region include healthcare, public safety, agriculture, and construction. Please see our Success Stories to learn more about our work.