A public ribbon-cutting ceremony to be held Thursday, October 17, at 4 pm in Half Moon Bay.
Media Contact: Eddie Flores, Public Information Officer, College of San Mateo, 650-574-6538 or FloresE@smccd.edu
Half Moon Bay, CA – September 24, 2024. College of San Mateo (CSM) proudly announces the grand opening of its Coastside Educational Facility in Half Moon Bay, an extension of the CSM main campus that will provide expanded educational opportunities and career pathways for the Coastside community for all current and future students, especially our Latinx, Chinese, and Migrant Farm Worker communities. This initiative is part of CSM’s continued commitment to advancing equity and fostering economic mobility through education.
The Coastside Educational Facility, approved by the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees, was established to address the unique needs of the region’s vital and underserved populations. The new facility will provide various services designed to empower the local community and create pathways toward post-secondary education and living-wage careers.
Key programs and services that will be offered at the Coastside Educational Facility include:
- Language and Literacy Development: Specialized classes aimed at improving English proficiency and literacy to help participants succeed academically and professionally.
- Access to Higher Education: College preparatory courses and support programs to ease the transition into post-secondary education and provide students with the resources they need to thrive.
- Career Training: Industry-aligned vocational programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for living-wage careers in local and regional industries.
- Academic and Career Counseling: Personalized guidance from dedicated counselors who will support students throughout their educational journey and help them navigate career opportunities.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations and employers to connect students with real-world work experiences and job opportunities that enhance their career prospects.
SMCCCD Trustee Dr. Lisa Petrides shares, “As a longtime resident of the Coastside, I have seen firsthand the vital role that the Latinx and Migrant Farm Worker communities play in our region’s economy and culture. The Coastside Educational Facility is a direct response to the barriers that the Coastside faces in accessing higher education. By offering tailored programs and services, we will provide pathways to greater opportunities, which will have a lasting, positive impact on our community. As programming develops, we may see additional offerings responsive to ongoing input.”
SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno shares, “One of our priorities over the next few years is to embed our colleges into the communities we serve. The CSM Coastside Education Facility is one such example, where it reduces transportation barriers so prevalent to our students on the Coastside and aligns with this community’s needs.”
The Coastside Educational Facility will serve as a hub for academic and career development, connecting students to opportunities that foster individual growth and regional workforce development. CSM is committed to breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that underserved populations have access to the resources they need to thrive.
“This facility is the result of a collaborative effort among the Board of Trustees, community leaders, local businesses, and CSM’s dedicated team,” said Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez, President of CSM. “We are thrilled to open a campus that reflects our commitment to equity and inclusion, empowering the Coastside community by providing the education and training needed for success in today’s economy. This is an exciting moment for the college, and we look forward to seeing the transformative impact it will have on our Coastside families and partners.”
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the Coastside Educational Facility located at 650 Mill Street, Suite #101, Half Moon Bay, on Thursday, October 17, at 4 pm. The public is invited to attend. For more information please visit the College of San Mateo Coastside website.
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About College of San Mateo
College of San Mateo (CSM), part of the San Mateo County Community College District, is a leading community college in San Mateo, California, committed to providing an accessible, high-quality, and liberatory education. With a focus on equity, inclusion, and academic excellence, CSM empowers students to achieve their full potential and make lasting generational impacts. CSM offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs, fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment.
