SAN MARCOS, CA (May 2, 2023) —Palomar College is one of 17 community colleges in the nation that was selected to participate in a program to develop strategies that offer equitable employment opportunities for all its students. Palomar was the only California college selected to participate in the program called ACE-UP, for Advancing Community Equity and Upward Mobility. It is one of four Hispanic-Serving Institutions that will be part of the program. “At Palomar College, we make it a priority to support the workforce needs within the region and provide the training necessary for our students to find jobs with a livable wage,” said Palomar College Superintendent/President Star Rivera-Lacey. “Our participation in ACE-UP will help ensure that all our students have an opportunity to find a rewarding career.”
The 18-month first-of-its kind program by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce is funded by a two-year $500,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation.
A team of six people from Palomar College are participating in virtual meetings with colleagues from the other colleges and industry partners to explore ways to encourage greater diversity in its career education programs and better prepare all students for their careers. The sessions are being led by experts at Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, with research and documentation from the Urban Institute. “We’re learning best practices from other institutions and we’re evaluating our own practices,” said Carmelino Cruz, acting chief diversity officer at Palomar College.
