Strong Workforce funding is aimed at creating more and better CTE - more enrollments, more completions, more students employed in their field of interest.

The proposal cycle for 2021-22 projects begins in fall 2020. Project funding will start July 1, 2021 and will run for 24 months. (This is a change from the previous 30 month funding timeline).

2020 Strong Workforce Presentation

 Instructions for 2021-22 Proposals

The timeline and specific instructions for proposals in the 2021-22 year are now available.

August 19, 2020                Kickoff meeting for CTE Faculty: Strong Workforce Proposal Process
September - November    Technical Assistance for proposal development 
December 7, 2020            Proposals and budgets due to deans for review/revision
December 11, 2020          Proposals and budgets due to Office of Institutional Effectiveness
December-January           Review and ranking of proposals (SW Review Committee)
January 26, 2021              Final projects determined for submission to State Chancellor's Office

 Steps to developing a Strong Workforce Proposal

1. Review labor market information

• Identify industries and occupations where training is needed
• Top Occupations, Stanislaus County, 2019
• Top Employer Requested Skills, 2020
• Review and document current program data from the Chancellor’s Office LaunchBoard:https://www.calpassplus.org/LaunchBoard/SWP.aspx  
• Detailed labor market studies can be found on the Center of Excellence website: http://coeccc.net

2. Complete the project proposal form and budget worksheet

• Strong Workforce Project Budget Worksheet
• Strong Workforce Project Proposal Form
• Strong Workforce Biannual Project Report Form (for funded projects)
• Discuss ideas for new programs with faculty and deans
• Estimates for any capital improvements must be requested through the Office of Administrative Services
• Assistance is available from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Twenty-one innovative projects have been funded in the last five years.

2016-17 Strong Workforce Projects

• Agriculture Irrigation Lab. Establishing a fully operational outdoor irrigation lab with small reservoir, pump systems, sprinkler systems, and technical measurement equipment.
• Sustainable Agriculture Program. Enhancing solar and wind power, sustainable gardens, water conservation, and bee habitat.
• Associate Degree Nursing. Equipment to enhance ADN program: intravenous simulator, mobile medication workstations.
• Business. Cross-disciplinary redesign of Business Administration and Office Administration programs to improve alignment with industry needs and develop student internship opportunities
• Fire Science. Equipment to enhance Fire Training Center Burn Room.
• Career Services Center. Establishing a dedicated career services center to provide services to students in four areas: exploration, preparation, workplace learning, and job placement assistance
• Marketing. Marketing to promote CTE programs: billboards, television ads, social media

 2017-18 Strong Workforce Projects

• Dual Enrollment. Increase dual enrollment opportunities for high school students in the community.
• Welding Expansion. Update welding equipment and infrastructure; increase course offerings at MJC and Columbia College.
• Certified Nursing Assistant Expansion. Increase program courses to students at MJC and Columbia College.
• Agriculture Fabrication. Enhance and replace fabrication/welding equipment in the Power Mechanics program.
• Allied Health Multi-Purpose Lab. Establish a working lab for multiple health oriented programs.
• Fire Science Satellites. Establish satellite fire science programs in multiple locations throughout the county.

2018-19 Strong Workforce Projects

• Cyber Security. Develop curriculum and establish a cyber security program that includes partnership with local K-12 schools in a "Cyber Patriots" program, a summer academy, and national certification.
• Gaming/Interactive Design. Expand computer graphics/computer science program to incorporate game engine technology for production of video games and interactive applications.
• Television/Digital Media. Develop a certificate in TV and Digital Media.

2019-20 Strong Workforce Projects

• Agriculture Hydroponics. Research and lab opportunities in the use of cargo storage container grow chambers and hydroponic plant growth for sustainable agriculture.
• Child Development Infant Lab. Establish an infant inclusion instructional lab for applied learning with infants between 4 and 18 months.
• Engineering and Industry Automation.  New program to provide multiple pathways for engineering transfer and engineering technology students
• Construction/Multi-purpose Training Outdoor Lab. Install outdoor, structural canopies for all-weather program teaching and learning

2020-21 Strong Workforce Projects

• Entrepreneurship. Develop training, support, and networks for entrepreneurs to explore creating their own business.
• Engineering and Industry Automation. Continued development of new applied engineering program. 

 Questions?

Jenni Abbott
Dean, Planning, Research, 
Innovation, & Institutional Effectivness
abbottj@yosemite.edu

209-575-7795