The bay area of California is buzzing this week as President Frank Chong of Laney College left his position to move to D.C. to work as the deputy assistant secretary of education for the United States. Basically this position on President Barack Obama’s team and all of the duties that it entails, equate this job to Chong becoming the chief of community colleges. Now that Chong has left Laney College in California, the Vice President Elnora Webb will serve as the interim president of the school while they search for a replacement. President Obama is a big supporter of community colleges in the US and view them as key to helping the economic problems of the country. This is because about half of college students in the US attend two year community colleges so they can learn a skill or trade to enter the workforce. Approximately 3 million students in California attend these two year schools and the more support they get will result in more qualified people in the workforce contributing to the economy.
There are a few key items which Chong is looking to address in his new leadership role. The first will be to improve the transfer rates to 4 year colleges where students can earn their bachelors degree, and to address poor writing and math skills for those just entering college. High school students need to be better prepared so they can jump right into college and help the US compete in the ever evolving global economy. Having more qualified individuals in the US will reduce the amount of outsourcing to other countries who want the talented workforce that certain businesses desire. Students not only need to be prepared for college so they do not get frustrated and quit, they also need the tools and information necessary so they transfer upon graduation and earn a bachelors degree. Obama’s goal is to significantly raise overall college graduation rates over the next ten years and Chong looks to be instrumental in making this change happen.
Tags: california college, california degree, community college, Laney College
