On November 5, voters will have the opportunity to make a significant decision regarding the future of education and workforce training in our community. A “YES” vote on Measure G will enhance our local colleges’ infrastructure, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet our community’s workforce needs.
As the Chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD), I have the distinct honor of serving our community and supporting its growth, education, and prosperity. I am writing today to ask for your support for Measure G, a bond measure that will be on the November ballot, a decision that was not taken lightly but one that is crucial to the future of our district and, more importantly, to the future of the students and community we serve. If approved, the $720 million bond measure will be used to enhance the infrastructure at both Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College to ensure our students are learning and bring trained in upgraded buildings with the latest equipment and technology to meet our community’s current and future workforce needs.
Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense pride as I announce that RSCCD has become the number one district in California for Adult and Continuing Education in the number of full-time equivalent students we serve in our two colleges, surpassing districts with even more resources and campuses. This achievement, coupled with serving over 106,000 students in the last academic year, is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators. But these numbers are not just figures in a report; they represent real lives transformed, opportunities created, and futures brightened. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have provided access to an additional 25,000 individuals—these are our neighbors, our friends, our family members, and they are counting on us to continue providing the high-quality education and workforce training they deserve.
Our growth has been nothing short of remarkable, but it also presents challenges that we must address. We are now the fourth-largest district in the state in terms of full-time equivalent students served and the need for expanded and updated facilities is more pressing than ever. There is also increasing demand from industry and businesses in our community for us to provide a higher skilled workforce. Our colleges—Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College—are operating at capacity so our infrastructure must expand to meet the needs of our students and community.
The decision to propose a bond measure was not made lightly. For months, we engaged in rigorous research and surveys, listening to the community’s needs and concerns. We understand the investment we are requesting from you, the taxpayer, and we respect the responsibility that comes with asking for your support. However, I firmly believe that the benefits to our community are worth your investment. The funds from Measure G will directly impact the quality of education we provide, ensuring that our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, many of which offer higher wages and better opportunities for upward mobility. In essence, a vote for Measure G is not just a vote for our colleges; it’s a vote to invest in the future well-being of our community.
Our efforts are supported by local leaders who understand the critical role that RSCCD plays in our community’s economic and social fabric. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Congressman Lou Correa are among those who have voiced their support for Measure G, recognizing the positive impact that this investment will have on the lives of thousands of students and, by extension, the entire region.
As we look to the future, we are also expanding our academic offerings to meet the needs of an evolving workforce. I am proud to announce that RSCCD now offers three bachelor’s degree programs—in Occupational Studies, Paralegal Studies, and Automotive Technology. These programs are designed to provide our students with the skills and credentials necessary to excel in their chosen fields, further underscoring the importance of investing in our infrastructure and resources.
Our research indicates that by 2028-2032, 50% of Orange County’s population will be 40 years old or over. This demographic shift means that we must be prepared to serve a growing non-traditional student population while continuing to enhance programs for traditional students. Measure G will equip us to do just that—ensuring that RSCCD remains at the forefront of educational excellence and community service.
In conclusion, I urge you to support Measure G this November. This is more than just a bond measure; it is a commitment to the future of our students, our colleges, and our community. Together, we can ensure that RSCCD continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for all who seek to better their lives through education.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Marvin Martinez
Chancellor, Rancho Santiago Community College District
Ad paid for by Committee for Rancho Santiago Colleges – Yes on G 2024. Ad Committee’s Top Funder: Santa Ana College Foundation, Santiago Canyon College Foundation, Schools First Federal Credit Union.
