Students in an automotive program at Fresno City College.

Courtesy: Fresno City College

Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.

From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunity for students and strengthening the communities they serve.

We are widening access, driving innovation, and producing tangible results for students and communities alike as one of the largest districts in the state, serving more than 70,000 students annually across Fresno, Madera, Reedley, Clovis and our surrounding communities. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and our mission is to provide access and meet them where they are, offering clear, affordable pathways to a better future.

That mission is reflected in our growth. In the 2024-25 academic year, our community colleges saw a 13% increase in enrollment — more than 8,400 students — a remarkable number in an era when many colleges are struggling to attract students.

But these numbers tell only part of the story. The real impact lies in the innovative programs, support systems and affordable solutions that make education accessible and achievable for all.

For many, aspirations to attend college start young, and our College and Career Access Pathways and enrichment programs bridge high school and college, allowing students to earn college credits before graduation. In just five years, our dual enrollment headcount has grown from 8,003 in 2020-21 to 14,130 in 2024-25. This year alone, enrollment increased by 18%, with over 2,100 new students joining the program. Behind these numbers are real stories of impact. Take Kassandra, for example. The first in her family to attend college, dual enrollment has been transformative for her. With college credits already under her belt, Kasandra is now on track to graduate from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, all while saving thousands of dollars in tuition.

Yet, access is only part of the equation; completion is the ultimate goal. To achieve this, it’s critical to invest in robust support systems to help students stay on track and graduate. This year, we awarded 6,463 associate degrees — a 46% increase from the previous year. Expanded tutoring services, targeted mental health resources, and personalized academic counseling have all played significant roles in achieving this record number. At Fresno City College, our program for first-year students connects them with dedicated counselors who support them throughout that crucial first year, helping them navigate college with confidence. We’ve also worked to dismantle financial barriers by providing free textbooks for many courses and expanding emergency aid for students facing unexpected setbacks. Together, these efforts create a safety net strong enough to keep students moving forward, even when life throws its hardest punches.

In addition to preparing students for transfer to four-year universities, community colleges are a powerful engine for workforce development. Our partnerships with local employers ensure that students graduate with the skills needed to meet today’s demands of our region’s economy. Our nursing and health care programs are training the next generation of professionals for Central Valley hospitals, while our agriculture and manufacturing pathways equip students with cutting-edge skills for industries vital to our region. We’ve developed apprenticeship programs for skilled trades, allowing students to earn while they learn, creating a fast track to stable, well-paying careers. These programs don’t just benefit students; they strengthen our entire community and power regional economies. 

Growing enrollment and graduation outcomes are achievable, and our experience shows how community colleges can get there:

First, partnerships are key. Our collaborations with K-12 districts, local employers and community organizations have been instrumental in expanding access and improving outcomes.

Second, meeting students where they are — whether through dual enrollment, flexible course formats,or targeted support — can make all the difference.

Finally, we must never lose sight of our core mission: to provide access and opportunity. Our mission drives everything we do, from the classroom to the boardroom.

The future of higher education is being built right now, in the classrooms, labs and communities of America’s community colleges. It’s time to recognize and invest in the institutions that prove every day that opportunity is within reach.

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Carole Goldsmith is the chancellor of State Center Community College District in the Central Valley.

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