To meet the availability of interested colleagues in the Central Region, two Webinars were held on Monday, March 14, 2011 to connect central valley colleges interested in pursuing an application for the Complete College America & Trade Adjustment DOL grant (C3T).

Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Workforce Development for the West Hills Community College District, led each Webinar to ensure interested colleges were clear about the planning process that will be used to move us to the April 21, 2011 application deadline.  Dr. Goldsmith explained that a previous proposal from our consortium, although unfunded, captured the attention of the Gates Foundation.

Seeing strong evidence of industry and college collaborations, combined with an understanding of the planning process and good working relationships, the Gates Foundation contracted with Complete College America to assist the central valley colleges in designing a winning proposal.  A group representing 11 colleges gathered at State Center Community College District's Clovis Center on Thursday, March 17, 2011 to finalize project development tasks and timelines.   

With the seed planted many years ago with the hope for this type of regional grant collaboration, participating central valley colleges are committed to developing a successful proposal and project with multiple outcomes for employers, students, and our regional economies!