A distinguished delegation from the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) recently embarked on a highly productive visit to Washington, D.C. The delegation included Trustees Daisy Tong, Phil Yarbrough, John Hanna, Zeke Hernandez, and Cecilia Iglesias. President Jeannie Kim was present, while President Annebelle Nery joined remotely. Vice Chancellor Enrique Perez and Chief Communications Officer Chi-Chung Keung accompanied the group.

Impactful meetings with key federal agencies and elected officials marked the visit. The delegation engaged in meaningful discussions with leaders from the Department of Justice, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Labor. Some of the delegation members also met with our local Congressmembers. These meetings underscored the District's commitment to innovation and excellence in education.

RSCCD with Congressmember Young Kim​

The significance of these meetings cannot be overstated. The delegation's discussions focused on training first responders and leveraging artificial intelligence to combat enrollment fraud, showcasing the innovative approaches that define RSCCD. These efforts are expected to profoundly impact the District's ability to provide cutting-edge education and training to its students.

One of the most immediate outcomes of the visit was identifying potential funding opportunities to support RSCCD's programs. This swift response from federal contacts highlights the effectiveness of the District's advocacy efforts and the strong relationships it has built with federal partners.

The delegation's visit also paved the way for future collaborations. Representatives from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Forest Service expressed interest in visiting RSCCD's facilities, which will provide further opportunities to showcase the District's capabilities and explore additional partnerships.

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RSCCD with Congressmember Lou Correa​

According to Chancellor, Marvin Martinez, “This visit to Washington, D.C., stands out as one of the most productive trips in the history of RSCCD's community college leadership. It demonstrates the District's dedication to fostering strong relationships with federal partners and advancing educational excellence to benefit its students and the broader community."