CHULA VISTA — The San Diego & Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA), representing six college districts and more than 200,000 students, joined with state legislators and business leaders today to advocate for the protection of Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) funding. The gathering, held at Southwestern College, was a direct response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision not to defend the program against a federal lawsuit.
Speakers emphasized that HSI funding is crucial for supporting California’s economy and workforce, not a “preferential program.” Mark Sanchez, Southwestern College President and SDICCCA President, highlighted the essential role community colleges play. “Community colleges educate 70% of California’s nurses and 80% of its first responders,” he said. “HSI funding strengthens the programs that prepare our essential workforce. Weakening this support undermines California’s safety, competitiveness, and prosperity.”
Student and economic impact
SDICCCA member colleges collectively receive approximately $15 million in HSI funds. College presidents warned that a disruption in this funding would jeopardize critical student support services, including tutoring, advising, and STEM labs. These services are vital for student success, persistence, and graduation.
Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, Superintendent/President of Imperial Valley College, explained that the funding is an investment in opportunity that benefits everyone. “Support for institutions like IVC ensures that every student has access to better career connections and stronger academic programs,” he stated, adding that this investment bolsters the competitive edge of the binational mega-region.
State Assemblymember David Alvarez underscored the broad support for HSI programs, noting, “Defending Hispanic-Serving Institutions is defending opportunity, equity, and the future of California’s workforce.”
Business leaders echo concerns
Business leaders echoed the sentiment, linking HSI programs to a ready workforce. Taylor Dunn, Director of Talent Initiatives at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, pointed out that while Hispanic/Latine students make up a significant portion of the K-12 pipeline, they are underrepresented in the innovation workforce. “Hispanic-Serving Institutions are indispensable to closing that gap,” Dunn said.
Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, stressed that cutting this support would threaten the region’s economic stability. “Our binational region depends on a well-prepared workforce, and disrupting this talent pipeline jeopardizes job growth and competitiveness on an incomprehensible scale,” he said.
Manuel Juarez Lopez, a Cuyamaca College alumnus and current San Diego State University student, shared a personal account of the impact of HSI support. “I can say firsthand that the strength of Hispanic Serving Institutions of higher education, creates meaningful pathways for students like me and others to succeed,” he explained.
Dr. Rowena Tomaneng, Deputy Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, and Lynn Neault, Chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, both emphasized the vital role of these institutions in preparing the state’s workforce. “We train 70 percent of the state’s nurses, 80 percent of its first responders,” Tomaneng said. Neault added that the funding provides essential resources to help students succeed, especially at a district where over 35% of the students are Hispanic/Latine.
San Diego Community College District Chancellor Gregory Smith highlighted the success of HSI programs, citing a 15% increase in STEM degree attainment over the last three years. “Our focus should be expanding, not eliminating, these highly successful programs that uplift our communities and regional economy,” he concluded.
