Nineteen MJC programs honored as Strong Workforce Stars
Nineteen career education programs at Modesto Junior College have earned the California Community Colleges’ Strong Workforce Stars Recognition this spring. These programs are recognized for the success of their students as measured by increased earnings, attainment of a livable wage and employment in their industry field of study.
Strong Workforce Stars is an annual recognition for career education programs whose graduates show significant gains in factors important for advancing social mobility.
The 2018 Strong Workforce Stars were given to career education programs throughout the state in 12 industry sectors. Those named Strong Workforce Stars met one or more of the following thresholds:
- An increase in earnings by 50 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16.
- Attainment of the regional living wage by 70 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16.
- 90 percent or more are employed in a job similar to their field of study, according to the Career Technical Education Outcomes Survey, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2014-15.- An increase in earnings by 50% or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who were last enrolled in 2015-16
The MJC program receiving a Gold Star (attained threshold outcomes all three metrics) is:
• Registered Nursing: 230% increase in earnings, 84% of students attained the regional
living wage and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
The MJC programs receiving Silver Stars (attained threshold outcomes on two metrics) are:
• Mechanized Agriculture: 167% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
• Veterinary Technician: 108% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
• Respiratory Care: 98% increase in earnings and 71% of students attained the regional living wage
• Supervisory Management: 79% increase in earnings and 70% of students attained the regional living wage
• Business Operations: Management: 66% increase in earnings and 73% of students attained the regional living wage
• Marketing: 54% increase in earnings and 70% of students attained the regional living wage
• Accounting: 84% of students attained the regional living wage and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
• Real Estate: 73% of students attained the regional living wage and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
The MJC programs receiving Bronze Stars (attained threshold outcomes on one metric) are:
• Automotive Technology: 67% increase in earnings
• Automotive Collision Repair: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
• Agriculture Technology and Sciences, General: 167% increase in earnings
• Animal Science: 441% increase in earnings
• Agriculture Business, Sales and Service: 193% increase in earnings
• Business Administration: 75% of students attained the regional living wage
• Child Development-Early Care and Education: 59% increase in earnings
• Office Technology-Office Computer Applications: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
• Administration of Justice: 93% increase in earnings
• Fire Technology: 72% of students attained the regional living wage
“The Strong Workforce Program has brought much needed resources to our career technical education programs,” said MJC President Jill Stearns. “To receive Gold Star, Silver Star, and Bronze Star recognition for so many MJC programs is a wonderful recognition of the faculty who work hand in hand with advisory partners in developing and maintaining relevant, in-demand training for students.”
Career technical education (CTE) encompasses 94 percent of high school students and 13 million postsecondary students in the United States and includes high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, four-year universities and more. CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. At a time when opportunity for employment is critical, CTE programs in every community help ensure students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.
“Strong Workforce Stars career education programs are proven to help Californians increase their earning power,” said Van Ton-Quinlivan, executive vice chancellor for Workforce and Digital Futures at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. “With the introduction of levels this year, we are able to highlight those programs that are seeing significant results, as well as those that are on the rise toward even greater success.”
For more information about MJC’s career education programs and how to train for a new career visit www.mjc.edu/now or call (209) 575-6789.