Our Coast Colleges Conversation FAQs

•  Who do Coast Colleges serve?

Since 1947, Coast Community College District has been a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College.

The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services and student support services. Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast enroll more than 53,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs.

• Why are Coast Colleges role in the community so important?

Our local community colleges play a vital role in local affordable higher education because attending one of our local community colleges is six times cheaper than Cal State Fullerton and 16 times cheaper than UCI.

The community has told us it is important to increase opportunities for local students to earn college credits and certifications and learn job skills at an affordable price and then transfer to four-year colleges and universities without generating crushing debt.

• Doesn’t Coast Colleges routinely update their classrooms and campus buildings?

Yes! However, some campus buildings are over 75 years old and need basic improvements, including removing asbestos and mold; repairing leaky roofs; deteriorating gas, electrical and sewer lines and restrooms, and improve earthquake safety so students can learn in safe, healthy classrooms.

•  What about local first responder training?

Our Coast Colleges play a critical role in training our area’s nurses, police officers, paramedics and other first responders. Our vision is to improve and repair training facilities, classrooms and labs to address the local shortage of nurses and public safety personnel and ensure they are trained on the latest life-saving technology and techniques and for future natural disasters and other emergencies.

• What are the community’s educational needs and priorities?

The top four priorities identified by the public in the Community Survey include:

- Maintaining access to affordable higher education
- Removing mold
- Preparing students and veterans for careers, high demand jobs and skilled trades
- Repairing deteriorating gas and electrical lines
- Expanding classrooms and labs to prepare students for careers in science, technology and engineering

• What can I do?

Share your local higher learning priorities and Join the Conversation today! Fill out our community survey online at: https://forms.office.com/r/brBLH4tTX1