County marks National Community College Month; board and college leaders tout workforce role

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on April 23 recognized April as National Community College Month and heard remarks from community‑college leaders about enrollment, workforce development and educational pathways.

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento introduced the proclamation and invited presidents, trustees and chancellors from the Coast, South Orange County and Rancho Santiago community college districts to the dais. "Community colleges offer affordable and accessible education that serves diverse populations," Sarmiento said, noting that Santa Ana College and other local campuses have served as sites for vaccine distribution, apprenticeships and bachelor‑degree pilot programs.

Tim Jamal of the South Orange County Community College District and Sal Dinajero of the Rancho Santiago district described the districts’ role in workforce training and economic impact. Jamal said a recent district economic‑impact report estimates a multi‑billion‑dollar contribution to the local economy, and Sal Dinajero highlighted programs including nursing, fire and police academies as well as bachelor‑degree offerings.

Vice Chair Doug Chaffee offered personal remarks about Fullerton Community College and described partnerships that “ladder up” students into four‑year programs. Several attendees and college officials posed for a photo with supervisors following the recognition.

Why it matters: County and college leaders framed community colleges as key partners in meeting local workforce needs and expanding access to higher education. The recognition was ceremonial; the board did not take funding action at this meeting but used the item to underscore ongoing college‑county collaboration.