Strong Workforce Program Resource Request Application | 2025-2026

The Strong Workforce Program (SWP) provides resources to support campus efforts at CSM to update existing Career Education (CE) pathways and/or develop new CE pathways to meet regional workforce demand. These resources are used in tandem with CSM's resource request process to allow the college to best build capacity to support career education programs across campus.

Resource request applications should positively impact one or more of the following areas: student progression and retention in CE pathways; completions or transfers; wage increases as a result of earning a certificate/degree; the number of students earning living-wage jobs aligned with their field of study; and enrollment and persistence of non-traditional students. Examples of allowable activities include but are not limited to Certificate of Achievement and A.A. / A.S. degree development or alignment of existing pathways with emerging industry trends; equipment and software investments to teach employer-demanded skills; employer engagement to support student career exploration and connections to internships and careers; and support for dual-enrollment pathways.

Applications are due by March 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Awardees will be notified by end of April. If you have any questions or would like any support with developing your application, please contact CSM's Executive Director of Strong Workforce and Economic Development, Andrea Vizenor, at vizenora@smccd.edu.

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Please include your @smccd.edu address

Division Dean or Administrator

Department

Please list Additional Members

Skip this question if no additional members

Annual Advisory Board Status

Project Details

Project Title

Project Start Date

Must be between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

mm/dd/yyyy

Project End Date

Must be between July1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

mm/dd/yyyy

What TOP Code are you impacting with this proposal?

Upload Scope of Work

Please upload a scope of work for your proposed project. The scope of work should provide specific outcomes that this project will achieve and should include detailed timelines, and milestones for all project deliverables.

A scope of work template can be accessed here: Be sure to refer to specific metrics (http://bit.ly/ce-metrics) that you intend to target. If you need assistance with developing your budget, please reach out to Andrea Vizenor at vizenora@smccd.edu.

Drop your files here

Derailed Project Description

Proposed Budget Details

Total Funding Requested

Please provide the total amount of funds being requested

Complete the following categories.

1000 - Faculty Salaries

2000 - Student/Classified Salaries

3000 - Benefits

4000 - Supplies and Materials

5000 - Contract Services

6000 - Technology - Equipment

Intended Proposal Outcomes - Strong Workforce Program

The Strong Workforce Program (SWP) is a key initiative within the California Community Colleges system aimed at improving career education (CE) and workforce development across the state. The program's objectives are designed to align education with labor market needs and strengthen the connection between community colleges and industry sectors.

Select the objectives your proposal will address and or assist College of San Mateo in meeting.

Increase the Number of Students in High-Quality CTE Programs : Expand access to high-quality, industry-relevant training in fields that lead to good-paying jobs

Improve Student Outcomes: Focus on increasing student success, such as completion rates, earning of credentials, and successful transitions into the workforce or further education.

Align Education with Workforce Needs: Work closely with employers, industries, and regional labor market data to ensure that CTE programs are designed to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.

Expand Employer Partnerships: Foster strong partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, and regional workforce development boards to improve job placements, internships, and apprenticeships for students.

Promote Equity and Access: Ensure that underserved populations, including low-income students, underrepresented minorities, and individuals facing barriers to employment, have greater access to workforce development opportunities.

Regional Collaboration: Encourage regional collaborations between community colleges, workforce development agencies, and businesses to develop customized training programs that meet local labor market needs.

Intended Proposal Outcomes - Perkins Federal Funding

The Perkins Federal Funding (under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act) is a significant source of support for career technical education (CTE) programs across the U.S., including at California community colleges. The investment objectives of Perkins funding focus on improving CE programs and aligning them with labor market needs.

Check the objective Categories your proposal will address and assist in College of San Mateo meeting:

Improvement of CTE Programs: Enhance program quality by upgrading curriculum, facilities, and equipment to meet industry standards and ensure students are learning relevant, up-to-date skills.

Strengthening Collaboration: Foster partnerships between secondary schools, community colleges, employers, and workforce development organizations to ensure that education and training align with regional economic needs.

Support for Special Populations: Increase access to CTE programs for underserved and underrepresented groups, such as low-income individuals, students with disabilities, women in nontraditional careers, and students from minority backgrounds, ensuring they have equal opportunities for success in the workforce.

Improved Student Outcomes: Focus on student success metrics like high school graduation rates, college completion rates, obtaining credentials, and successful transition to postsecondary education or employment.

Increased Use of Data: Utilize data-driven decision-making to identify areas of improvement, track student performance, and assess the effectiveness of CTE programs, ensuring that funding is being directed toward programs with measurable outcomes.

Workforce Alignment: Ensure that CTE programs are tailored to meet the needs of local and regional industries, preparing students for in-demand jobs in sectors like healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and more.

Continuous Professional Development: Provide professional development for CTE faculty and staff to improve instructional quality and ensure they are equipped with the latest teaching strategies and industry insights.

Equity and Access: Prioritize equitable access to CTE opportunities by addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive practices that allow all students, regardless of background, to succeed in workforce-ready programs.

Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships: Expand and strengthen work-based learning opportunities, such as internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs, to give students hands-on experience and direct connections with employers.

Intended Proposal Outcomes - College of San Mateo Educational Master Plan

The Educational Master Plan (EMP) of the College of San Mateo (CSM) outlines the strategic direction for the college's academic programs, student services, and institutional goals over a defined period. While the exact objectives may evolve over time, the plan typically focuses on key areas of growth, improvement, and student success.

Check the objective Categories your proposal will address and assist in College of San Mateo meeting:

Enhance Student Success: Focus on improving student retention, completion, and success rates, particularly for historically underserved populations. Support students through initiatives like guided pathways, academic support services, and early intervention programs to help them persist through their education journey.

Increase Access and Equity: Improve access to educational opportunities for all students, with special attention to underserved and underrepresented populations (e.g., first-generation students, low-income students, students of color). Promote equity by addressing achievement gaps and creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Curriculum and Program Innovation: Continuously assess and update academic programs to ensure they meet current and future workforce needs, aligning with regional industry demands and student interests. Emphasize interdisciplinary programs, the integration of technology, and hands-on learning to prepare students for a diverse, global economy.

Workforce Development and Career Pathways: Strengthen career technical education (CTE) programs and establish clear career pathways that connect students to high-demand, well-paying jobs. Collaborate with local employers and industry partners to ensure programs are aligned with the labor market and offer real-world skills and internship opportunities.

Foster Community Engagement: Strengthen connections with the local community, including businesses, non-profits, and other organizations, to enhance the college’s role as an anchor institution. Engage with high schools and middle schools to build stronger pipelines for future students and foster college readiness from an early age.

Expand Facilities and Infrastructure: Invest in the physical and technological infrastructure to support academic and student services. This may include upgrading campus facilities, ensuring access to modern learning tools, and expanding online learning options.

Support Student Services: Improve student support services, such as counseling, tutoring, and career advising, to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. Emphasize holistic support that addresses both academic and personal development needs of students.

Increase Institutional Effectiveness: Continuously assess and improve institutional processes, ensuring that operations, from registration to course scheduling, are efficient and student-centered. Use data-driven decision-making to inform planning, resource allocation, and policy development.

Sustainability and Innovation: Incorporate sustainability in curriculum and operations, including promoting green technologies and environmental responsibility within programs and campus practices. Encourage innovation in teaching and learning, particularly through the use of digital tools and new pedagogical approaches to better serve diverse student populations.

Strengthen Financial Stability: Focus on maintaining or improving the financial health of the institution by diversifying revenue sources, seeking additional grants, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to achieve the college's goals.

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