4.4       Service Area Trends That Are The Basis Of Current Or Planned District Initiatives

Changes In Population And Demographic Characteristics

The district understands that the demography of its service area is changing.  The population is becoming increasingly ethnically diverse and bimodal in its age mix.  Given the availability of affordable housing, an increasing number of working class, moderate SES, two wage-earner families are relocating to the High Desert.  More and more, residents are locating in the service area that are blue collar and require strong employment and job readiness skills.

Against this backdrop, the district – since the early 1990’s – has had “diversity” as a key goal.  Both in the vision documents of 1993, the strategic plan of 1995, and this educational master plan, the college has held up “diversity” as a trend and issue that represents a very high priority for the institution.  Every faculty and staff and administration member has been challenged to consider how an increasingly diverse student body and area population will impact the design and delivery of courses, majors, and services. 

The college, via this document and other planning narratives, has identified many new courses and new approaches to instruction and programming in order to meet the challenge of diversity, equity, access, and meaningful programming.

Changes In Economy, Mix, And Conversions

The institution, too, is keenly aware of changes in the economic landscape.  The economy of the region is transitioning to a suburban, mixed business base.  More and more small businesses are emerging in the high desert.  Given the improved transportation grid of the region, local companies are expanding their marketplaces and (as well) feeling the pressures of competition from market areas further and further away. 

All of these trends argue that the college be prepared with an even better array of economic assistance services, contract education, and workforce preparation programs.  This plan describes some of the strategies to improve vocational and occupational instruction.