Rancho Cucamonga, California – During a recent visit to Chaffey College, Bill Gates witnessed firsthand how a community college is revolutionizing the journey from high school to higher education and ultimately to the workforce. The college’s innovative approach, known as “pathways,” is designed to provide seamless and structured transitions for students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
Gates engaged with students, many of whom were captivated by technology, particularly cybersecurity. One student even taught himself computer building during the pandemic. These diverse students are all part of Chaffey’s cybersecurity track, an example of the pathways the college offers.
Pathways have become a central focus for the Gates Foundation’s education initiatives. The aim is not merely for students to graduate from high school or complete college but to ensure they have clear routes to follow from the classroom to commencement and into their careers. The Foundation recognizes the challenges faced by Black and Latino students and those from low-income backgrounds and seeks to provide them with the support and guidance they need to navigate their educational journeys successfully.
Four key components are integral to creating effective pathways: quality advising, access to college-level coursework, transferability of credits, and career-connected learning experiences. These elements empower students to make informed decisions, view themselves as successful college students, and gain practical skills and experience relevant to their chosen fields.
The urgency of developing robust pathways is underscored by the fact that, by 2025, two-thirds of all jobs in the United States will require education beyond high school. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many students to postpone their postsecondary education, resulting in lower likelihoods of persistence and degree completion. Therefore, early interventions are crucial to ensure students stay on track for success.
Chaffey College, renowned for its diverse student population from underserved communities, is leading the way in creating effective pathways. By focusing on guiding students efficiently toward the credentials and degrees required for specific jobs or successful transfer to four-year universities, Chaffey eliminates unnecessary exploration and ensures tangible outcomes for its students.
Chaffey’s advising program emphasizes students’ interests, strengths, and time constraints, enabling them to make informed decisions about their careers. Rather than asking students what they want to do, the program explores their passions and aligns them with specific pathways. Through customized “maps,” students are provided with clear guidance on the coursework required, the degrees and certificates they can attain, the transferable credits, and potential job prospects and salaries.
Moreover, Chaffey’s dual enrollment program extends its pathways approach to high school students, allowing them to earn college credits intentionally aligned with their interests and future careers. By avoiding random and unrelated credits, Chaffey ensures high school students can make meaningful progress towards their educational and professional goals.
The benefits of Chaffey’s pathways extend beyond individual students. By responding to the emerging needs of the local cybersecurity industry, the college serves as an economic engine for the Inland Empire region. Internship opportunities with regional partners further enhance students’ job prospects upon graduation. With approximately 72,000 cybersecurity job openings in California alone, Chaffey’s pathways program is meeting the demand and preparing students for high-demand careers.
Dr. Laura Hope, a leader at Chaffey College, highlights the importance of instilling belief in students – belief in themselves and their education’s ability to support their success. With pathways to guide them, students are less likely to feel lost and more likely to find their way to fulfilling careers. The ongoing effort to create high-quality pathways is critical to empowering students and shaping a brighter future for all.
