​Project Aims to Increase Certificate and Degree Completion

Santa Ana, Calif. – Santa Ana College (SAC) is one of 20 community colleges selected to participate in the California Guided Pathways Project. This venture, inspired by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Pathways Project, is designed to substantially increase the number of students who earn a certificate or degree. SAC was chosen through a competitive application process and has until 2019 to design and implement structured academic and career pathways for all incoming students.

“We are honored to be included in the California Guided Pathways Project,” said Carlos Lopez, SAC Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Being selected is a testament to the depth and quality of educational programs at SAC. Participating in the Project will further enhance our efforts to ensure the success of all SAC students.”

During the 2015-16 academic year, over 4,700 SAC students earned their associate degrees or certificates of achievement. The Guided Pathways framework will provide additional assistance to students who face barriers in completing their college education. By creating structured educational experiences with specific course sequences and progress milestones, students are supported from their point of entry, to degree or certificate attainment, to employment in a chosen field.

The 20 community colleges chosen to participate in the California Guided Pathways Project include:

• American River College
• Butte College
• Cabrillo College
• College of the Canyons
• Chaffey College
• Cosumnes River College
• Cuyamaca College
• Los Angeles Trade Tech College
• Long Beach City College
• MiraCosta College
• Modesto Junior College
• Norco College
• Reedley College
• Rio Hondo College
• Riverside Community College
• San Joaquin Delta College
• Santa Ana College
• Santa Barbara College
• Southwestern College
• Yuba Community College

Additional information on the California Guided Pathways Project is available at www.CAGuidedPathways.org.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

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