Community College Initiative
The Emerald Cities Collaborative National Community College Initiative positions community colleges as leaders in addressing the environmental, economic and social equity challenges of our metropolitan regions. The Initiative strengthens the capacity of these anchor institutions to accelerate local sustainable community development by greening their campuses, creating and training for high-wage jobs, and meeting the needs of local residents and businesses. Our 23-campus initiative has built momentum with initial partnerships from the New Hampshire Community College System, the Peralta Community College District in Oakland, and the City College of San Francisco.
ECC will bring support services in four essential areas:
- Campus Sustainability – financing and selective technical assistance with energy assessments and performance contracting for energy and water efficient building retrofits.
- Workforce Development and Community Education – faculty, student, and curricula resources, supported through partnerships with the US Green Building Council and American Association of Community Colleges SEED Center.
- Green Tech Business Incubation – technical support for the design and financing of small and existing businesses.
- Sustainable Community Development – civic engagement, student curricula planning, and program development for support through partnerships with The Democracy Commitment, and Community Learning Partnership.
On October 18 & 19, 2012, Emerald Cities Collaborative, the Peralta Community College District, and the City College of San Francisco hosted a dynamic summit to elevate the role of Community Colleges as leaders in building high road regional economies. Sessions explored broad-based collaborative strategies to build community colleges, industry and community partnerships as we Green Our Cities, Build Our Communities, and Strengthen Our Democracy.
Watch the Recap | Read the Story in the Laney Tower | Photos | Videos | Agenda