ARTICLE
Annual Report to the Region Demonstrates the Importance of Community Themed around community, MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita Cooke outlined the College’s ambitious construction and student initiatives to more than 240 civic leaders, community members, district faculty, staff, and students during her Report to the Region address at the Carlsbad Westin and Sheraton Resorts and Spa. The annual event organized by the MiraCosta College Foundation and sponsored by California Coast Credit Union, Kitchell, Tri-City Medical Center, Matthias and Janice Kurth, as well as Scripps Health was an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the district, detail the college’s partnerships, and thank the community for passing Measure MM, the historic $455 million facility bond measure. “The theme of this morning is “IT TAKES A COMMUNITY,” said Dr. Sunny Cooke. "And we want to thank YOU, the MiraCosta College Community as it truly takes a community to meet the needs of all our students. MiraCosta College is a community college. What’s important to note is that word—community. We are here to serve our community and because of that, the college is many different things to many different people.” Dr. Cooke’s presentation followed with updates on MiraCosta College’s workforce development, pathway to transfer and four-year degree, and making college accessible and affordable. As an economic imperative for the region, MiraCosta College strives to help all our residents attain the education and skills required to contribute to our regional economy in a way that can sustain families. MiraCosta College is working closely with our regional economic development agencies to focus on inclusive economic development and is committed to expanding access to higher education to underserved communities through academic and financial support programs. “Developed in consultation with business and industry partners and aimed at providing skilled workers for in-demand professions offering well-paying jobs, MiraCosta College is proud to introduce new program offerings. MiraCosta students now have five new ways to earn a degree, certificate, and works skills: ROV/drone operations, biomedical equipment, craft beer technician, cybersecurity, and sustainable agriculture,” explains Dr. Cooke. While MiraCosta is proud of our career training, the district also offers a pathway for students to transfer and earn a four-year degree. With the expansion of the free, dual-enrollment classes at all three of the district’s feeder high school districts: Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Dieguito, more high school students can earn college credit while at the same time meeting high school graduation requirements. MiraCosta College is also committed to helping students succeed in their higher education journey by removing one of the most substantial barriers—money. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the MiraCosta College Foundation had a record-breaking year and received more than $1.4 million in donations. Through programs like the MiraCosta Promise, Gear Up for College, and the utilization of Open Educational Resources, MiraCosta fosters a college-going culture starting with students in middle school and assists them through into their college years. Following the address from Dr. Cooke, Nick and Alex Karvounis, the Las Vegas performers known as Doubble Troubble Entertainment, demonstrated through juggling and humor the Guided Pathways work in which MiraCosta College is engaged. Guided Pathways transforms the student experience by providing students with clear, educationally coherent program maps with specific course sequences, holistic student supports to guide career and educational goal setting, hands-on learning, and improved outcomes. The event closed with the recognition of the 2018 Philanthropist of the Year Stephen “Hap” L'Heureux, President, Law Offices of Stephen M. L'Heureux and current President of the MiraCosta College Foundation Board. About MiraCosta College The MiraCosta College District has served the coastal North San Diego County area for over 80 years. More than 17,000 credit students per semester in over 70 disciplines enroll in associate degrees, university transfer and workforce readiness certificate programs. The college also serves a wide spectrum of educational needs in the region ranging from programs for adult education, basic skills, and ESL to a California Community College pilot program offering the nation’s first baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing. MiraCosta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Annual Report to the Region Demonstrates the Importance of Community
Themed around community, MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita Cooke outlined the College’s ambitious construction and student initiatives to more than 240 civic leaders, community members, district faculty, staff, and students during her Report to the Region address at the Carlsbad Westin and Sheraton Resorts and Spa.
The annual event organized by the MiraCosta College Foundation and sponsored by California Coast Credit Union, Kitchell, Tri-City Medical Center, Matthias and Janice Kurth, as well as Scripps Health was an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the district, detail the college’s partnerships, and thank the community for passing Measure MM, the historic $455 million facility bond measure.
“The theme of this morning is “IT TAKES A COMMUNITY,” said Dr. Sunny Cooke. "And we want to thank YOU, the MiraCosta College Community as it truly takes a community to meet the needs of all our students. MiraCosta College is a community college. What’s important to note is that word—community. We are here to serve our community and because of that, the college is many different things to many different people.”
Dr. Cooke’s presentation followed with updates on MiraCosta College’s workforce development, pathway to transfer and four-year degree, and making college accessible and affordable.
As an economic imperative for the region, MiraCosta College strives to help all our residents attain the education and skills required to contribute to our regional economy in a way that can sustain families. MiraCosta College is working closely with our regional economic development agencies to focus on inclusive economic development and is committed to expanding access to higher education to underserved communities through academic and financial support programs.
“Developed in consultation with business and industry partners and aimed at providing skilled workers for in-demand professions offering well-paying jobs, MiraCosta College is proud to introduce new program offerings. MiraCosta students now have five new ways to earn a degree, certificate, and works skills: ROV/drone operations, biomedical equipment, craft beer technician, cybersecurity, and sustainable agriculture,” explains Dr. Cooke.
While MiraCosta is proud of our career training, the district also offers a pathway for students to transfer and earn a four-year degree. With the expansion of the free, dual-enrollment classes at all three of the district’s feeder high school districts: Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Dieguito, more high school students can earn college credit while at the same time meeting high school graduation requirements.
MiraCosta College is also committed to helping students succeed in their higher education journey by removing one of the most substantial barriers—money. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the MiraCosta College Foundation had a record-breaking year and received more than $1.4 million in donations. Through programs like the MiraCosta Promise, Gear Up for College, and the utilization of Open Educational Resources, MiraCosta fosters a college-going culture starting with students in middle school and assists them through into their college years.
Following the address from Dr. Cooke, Nick and Alex Karvounis, the Las Vegas performers known as Doubble Troubble Entertainment, demonstrated through juggling and humor the Guided Pathways work in which MiraCosta College is engaged. Guided Pathways transforms the student experience by providing students with clear, educationally coherent program maps with specific course sequences, holistic student supports to guide career and educational goal setting, hands-on learning, and improved outcomes.
The event closed with the recognition of the 2018 Philanthropist of the Year Stephen “Hap” L'Heureux, President, Law Offices of Stephen M. L'Heureux and current President of the MiraCosta College Foundation Board.
About MiraCosta College
The MiraCosta College District has served the coastal North San Diego County area for over 80 years. More than 17,000 credit students per semester in over 70 disciplines enroll in associate degrees, university transfer and workforce readiness certificate programs. The college also serves a wide spectrum of educational needs in the region ranging from programs for adult education, basic skills, and ESL to a California Community College pilot program offering the nation’s first baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing. MiraCosta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).