Total of 11 Palomar programs acknowledged for advancing economic and social mobility for students. Basic Police Academy and Apprentice Inside Wiremen programs singled out for prestigious “Gold Stars.”

SAN MARCOS, CA ― Eleven Palomar College programs have earned the California Community Colleges’ Strong Workforce Stars recognition for improving student employment and wage outcomes through the college’s innovative career education courses.

Strong Workforce Stars is an annual recognition for career education programs, also known as career technical education, within the California Community Colleges system whose graduates show significant gains in factors important for advancing social mobility – a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage and a job closely matched with the field of study.

“Palomar College is a leader in career education, with dozens of programs that are helping our students and our region’s economy by imparting immediate, real-world skills for today’s workforce,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Joi Lyn Blake. “We’re committed to providing results for our students, and thrilled to receive this recognition from the California Community College system.”

According to the Chancellor’s Office, Palomar’s Strong Workforce “Gold Star” achievements included:

  • Apprentice Inside Wireman – 75% increase in earnings, 88% of students attained the regional living wage and 96% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
  • Basic Police Academy – 54% increase in earnings, 88% of students attained the regional living wage and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study

And the following Palomar College programs were recognized with Silver Stars:

  • Computer Science – 64% increase in earnings and 88% of students attained the regional living wage
  • Diesel Technology – 73% increase in earnings and 71% of students attained the regional living wage
  • Apprenticeship: Drywall/Lather – 85% increase in earnings and 93% of students attained the regional living wage
  • Apprentice Sheet Metal – 53% increase in earnings and 86% of students attained the regional living wage
  • Construction Inspection – 73% of students attained the regional living wage and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
  • Paramedic Training – 69% increase in earnings and 91% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
  • Early Childhood Education – 71% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Studies – 126% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
  • Fire Academy – 58% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study

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Media contacts:

Laura Gropen, Public Affairs, lgropen@palomar.edu, 760-744-1150 x2152

Tom Pfingsten, Public Affairs, tpfingsten@palomar.edu, 760-744-1150 x2960