Community Colleges Are the Smart Investment Ventura County Needs

In communities across Ventura County, something powerful is happening every day—students are building their futures, one class at a time. They're gaining the skills to become nurses, electricians, firefighters, early childhood educators, business owners, and more. And they're doing it through our local community colleges.

Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges are not only places of learning—they're powerful economic engines and pillars of workforce development. They connect people to meaningful careers, support local employers with talent solutions, and help ensure our region continues to grow and thrive. Our mission extends beyond education—we're actively developing homegrown talent in life-enhancing ways that allow more people not just to survive in Ventura County, but to thrive personally and contribute to the greater good.

That's why it's important that we pay close attention to recent proposals in Washington that suggest reducing funding for workforce training, adult education, and financial aid programs that support students who need it most. While these proposals are not final and will be debated by Congress in the months ahead, they highlight a national conversation that affects us here at home: How do we invest wisely in education and job training to meet the needs of today's economy?

Community colleges are a smart and proven investment with remarkable returns for both individuals and our community. They provide high-quality, affordable education and career training close to home. Whether someone is looking to change careers, return to the workforce, or transfer to a four-year university, community colleges offer flexible and accessible pathways.

Our colleges also work hand-in-hand with local businesses, tailoring programs to real workforce needs—from advanced manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and public safety. We connect Ventura County businesses with customized training solutions while developing a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to meet the demands of today's economy. This partnership approach strengthens our workforce and drives economic growth through innovative career education, purpose-built programs, and strategic collaborations that meet industry needs.

In fact, many of the job training programs offered at our colleges are supported by federal funding that helps make education possible for students from all backgrounds. Consider that more than 75% of our nearly 50,000 students come from underrepresented ethnicities, low-income populations, or both. Through education, we're creating pathways to economic mobility and helping build a more equitable community.

Programs like Federal Work-Study, TRIO, and Adult Basic Education may not make headlines, but they make a real difference. They help students stay enrolled, succeed in their courses, and ultimately, contribute back to our community as skilled professionals and engaged citizens.

We understand the need for fiscal responsibility. It's important to review how federal dollars are spent. However in doing so, we hope leaders recognize that community colleges are not a cost—they're a solution. They offer a significant return on investment that benefits the entire community.

When we invest in education, we're investing in our local economy. We're helping small businesses find trained workers. We're helping families improve their financial stability. We're strengthening Ventura County for the future. We're creating opportunities for our residents to build meaningful careers right here at home rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

No matter your background or political perspective, there's common ground in supporting education that leads to opportunity and self-reliance. That's the mission of our community colleges—and it's one that continues to serve our region well.

Rick MacLennan, Ed.D., is the Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District. To learn more about the District and its colleges, visit vcccd.edu.