Existing law authorizes the board of governors to approve pilot baccalaureate degree programs statewide in consultation with the California State University and the University of California until July 1, 2026. The maximum number of pilot programs was limited to 15 community college districts. To apply, the governing board of a community college districts had to submit certain items for review by the Chancellor and be approval by the board of governors. The requirements including documentation of unmet workforce needs specifically related to the proposed pilot program.
This bill extends the operation of the baccalaureate degree programs indefinitely. It increases the number of baccalaureate degree programs that can be approved by the Chancellor to 30 per academic year. However, the total number of baccalaureate degrees programs offered by the community college district cannot exceed 25% of the total number of associate degree programs. To establish the need of the program, the community college district must provide documentation of the unmet workforce need by including:
- Evidence that the district consulted with regional employers and workforce development board;
- Statewide and regional workforce data relevant to the proposed baccalaureate degree program; and
- Evidence that the program will help address unmet workforce needs by providing evidence that employers are having difficulty filling positions that require a baccalaureate degree; employers are willing to pay baccalaureate degree holders more than those holding an associate degree or no postsecondary degree; and employers have a preference for candidates with the proposed baccalaureate degree.
The bill also requires that a minimum of 30 working days be taken to validate the information submitted and assess the workforce value of the proposed program.
(AB 927 amends Sections 78040, 78041, and 78042, and repeals and adds Section 78043 of the Education Code.)
