Economic Development

The Central Region is made up of unique communities and a diverse population supported by a vibrant economy built on competitive strengths and sufficient resources to provide a high quality of life for all residents.

Our Challenge

The Central Region spans 15 counties in the state.  These include: Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey (Salinas), San Joaquin, San Benito, Santa Clara (Gilroy), Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne.  With more than 4 million residents– the Central Region has a long history of contribution to the success of California. Although it is recognized worldwide as an agriculture powerhouse and is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, it also is one of the most challenged in comparison to the rest of the state:

– Average per capita incomes are 32% lower
– College graduate rates are 50% below the average
– Access to health care is 51% lower
– Air quality is among the worst in the nation

The Central Region's vast resources are often overshadowed by its persistent problems. The other problems–poverty, environmental degradation and social separation–indicate consistent under-performance compared to other regions in California.

Our Opportunity

Through collaboration, the Central Region Consortium brings together experts and leaders committed to the same purposes: the development of challenging academic and technical education standards to assist students in meeting such standards, including preparation for high skill, high wage, and/or high demand occupations in current or emerging professions, sustainable economic development, partnerships among secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, baccalaureate degree granting institutions, local workforce investments boards, business and industry.  This is a unique opportunity to provide a world-class region with a diversified economy, a high quality of life for all residents.

Some of our opportunities include:

– Cutting-edge, state-of-the-art, renewable energy systems to support communities and industries
– New ways of mobility for people and commerce that includes a high speed rail system
– New model of economic development that supports agriculture and a healthy environment with clean air and plentiful, clean water
– Diversified, globally competitive economy with a skilled workforce
– Pre K-12 public school system that supports student achievement and prepares children for success in college and career
– High-quality, accessible health and human services

The region supplies over half of the fruits, vegetables, and other foods in the U.S. including tomatoes, almonds, grapes, apricots, and asparagus. In addition to supplying food for the United States, the Central Region is also a major exporter of perishable food and wine and is the largest dairy region in the country. In addition, the Central Region is a leader in transportation and trucking given its proximity to two major highways (Interstate 5, State Highway 99), two rail lines that stretch the length of the state, and a number of airports.

Other industries in the region include tourism, oil and gas and the emerging renewable energy sector. The Central Valley is also slated to be the first location in California to have access to the High Speed Rail project.

The Central Region is home to fourteen Community Colleges, numerous regional community college centers, four State Universities, and several trade and professional schools.  The region is committed to nurturing the economic growth of the region through education and training programs designed to the meet the needs of the region and the business community.

To learn more about the economic and workforce development efforts of the California Community Colleges and the State Chancellor's Office visit:

California Economic and Workforce Development
California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
California Community College Association for Occupational Education