College of the Canyons Receives $1.1 Million Gift to Boost Advanced Technology Training

College of the Canyons Expands Technology Training

In a significant boost to education and workforce development, the College of the Canyons has announced a groundbreaking donation of $1.1 million from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. This generous investment is aimed at supporting the college’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC), an initiative designed to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand, high-tech careers within Los Angeles County.

The funding will primarily enhance student enrollment and develop educational programs at the ATC, focusing on critical areas like advanced manufacturing, network technologies, and welding. With this gift, the college aims not only to expand its educational offerings but also to create clear pathways for students to gain practical experience and access lucrative career opportunities.

Dr. Jasmine Ruys, Superintendent/President of College of the Canyons, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to The Broad Foundation, stating, "We are incredibly grateful for this generous investment in our students and region's workforce. This donation is instrumental in widening access to career education and establishing robust industry connections, enabling students to acquire essential skills that align with today’s economic demands."

The $1,109,181 grant spans two years and includes plans for expanded outreach initiatives aimed at local high schools. This outreach will fund embedded career coaches and adjunct counselors across seven schools within the William S. Hart Union High School District, ensuring that students have direct access to guidance and resources.

Isabel Acosta, Vice President of Programs at The Broad Foundation, shed light on the motivation behind the donation, stating, "At The Broad Foundation, we are committed to creating pathways to sustainable careers for youth. Thus, our investment in the College of the Canyons’ Advanced Technology Center represents our belief in equal access to education and training necessary for high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, welding, robotics, and network technologies."

These efforts are vital to addressing workforce needs in growing fields like aerospace, healthcare, and clean energy, ensuring that students are better prepared for the job market. Coaches will provide customized, one-on-one guidance to help students navigate career pathways, enhancing their understanding of available opportunities and increasing their confidence in post-secondary planning.

Shawna Mann, Executive Director of the COC Foundation, also highlighted the transformative nature of the donation, saying, "Philanthropic partnerships like this are crucial for removing obstacles that students face and in investing in innovative programs that forge clearer transitions from education to meaningful careers."

The Advanced Technology Center began operations in a temporary facility in 2023 and is dedicated to improving access to career education in high-growth sectors. It currently offers programs in advanced manufacturing, including Computer Numerical Control (CNC) production, designed to fast-track students toward industry-recognized credentials. Such initiatives allow graduates to enter the workforce swiftly or continue pursuing associate degrees in their desired fields.

Eventually, all programs related to advanced manufacturing—including those in welding and robotics—will move to a more permanent facility, a planned 81,000-square-foot center on the college’s Valencia campus.

In conclusion, this landmark donation from The Broad Foundation is not just a financial investment but a strong commitment to ensuring that students at College of the Canyons have access to quality education and robust career pathways that meet the expectations of a rapidly changing job market. As the initiative unfolds, it promises to significantly impact the workforce landscape of Los Angeles County, fostering a generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the region’s economic development and prosperity.