San Mateo, CA – San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) today reconfirmed its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and student success with the announcement by the Criminal Grand Jury in the case of former chancellor Ron Galatolo. The District has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the criminal investigation into Galatolo.
SMCCCD will also continue to pursue its civil lawsuit against construction firms and contractors, alleging that these firms gave Galatolo gifts in exchange for lucrative District contracts. The law firms of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP and Goethals & Stone, PC have been pursuing the case for nearly two years, and trial is currently set for June 23, 2025.
“We believe San Mateo County taxpayers and the community college district are the victims of fraud,” said SMCCCD Board President John Pimentel. “Our civil suit is designed to hold those alleged to be involved in fraudulent acts responsible for their actions.”
Media Contact: David McLain, Interim Executive Director, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu
About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students. Learn more at: smccd.edu.
San Mateo, CA – The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is excited to announce the distribution of 5,000 free SamTrans Way2Go passes to high-need students at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College this fall. This initiative aims to alleviate transportation barriers for our community’s low-income learners and ensure they can pursue their studies.
This significant program is made possible through the generous support of a City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) Lifeline Transportation Program Cycle 7 Grant, totaling $730,000. The grant provides 10,000 passes over two years, with half slated for distribution this academic year. The grant was supplemented with a $109,000 match from the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation and a $36,000 match from SamTrans.
“Our commitment to supporting our students extends well beyond the classroom, and we know that free college coupled with reliable transportation is key to their success,” said Melissa Moreno, J.D., Chancellor of SMCCCD. “Thanks to C/CAG, SamTrans, and our Foundation, we can have a collective impact—one that eases access to the only public institution of higher education in our County.”
“This collaboration with SMCCCD and C/CAG will provide an economic lifeline to low-income students, giving them access to reliable transportation and the opportunity to pursue their educational goals,” said SamTrans Deputy General Manager/CEO David Santoro. “We are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.”
The Way2Go passes will be distributed through college SparkPoint centers, which offer low-income people resources for meeting their basic needs and increasing their income. Students who demonstrate high financial need on a SparkPoint application will get free, unlimited travel on SamTrans buses seven days a week. Distribution of passes will begin over the next week following outreach to qualifying students.
“This grant is a fantastic opportunity for our students,” said Megan Barber Allende, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation. “By alleviating transportation costs, we are helping our students focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.”
Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu
About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s three colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students. For more information, see: smccd.edu
About SamTrans The San Mateo County Transit District operates 74 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the district also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
About City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) The City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) is a regional agency dedicated to coordinating local transportation, land use, and environmental planning efforts. The Lifeline Transportation Program provides critical funding to improve transportation access for low-income communities.
About San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation The San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation supports the San Mateo County Community College District by raising funds to provide scholarships, grants, and resources to enhance educational opportunities and foster student success.
SMCCCD moved its recent board meeting to East Palo Alto and emphasized community engagement and fiscal accountability.
San Mateo, CA – The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees convened in East Palo Alto (EPA) on October 23, 2024, to foster deeper community engagement in North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and EPA. The meeting featured presentations on pressing issues in EPA from the Mayor, community partnerships by Cañada College President Kim Lopez, enrollment surges across the District’s campuses, and vendor oversight and accountability.
SMCCCD Board President John Pimentel reflected afterward that “our meeting in EPA reflects our ongoing commitment to serve specific communities where our programs and services can change the trajectory of people’s lives. Free College and the partnerships, personal relationships, and operational improvements discussed today build on incredible 24% districtwide enrollment gains to support upward economic mobility for all San Mateo County.”
Antonio Lopez, Mayor of EPA, welcomed the SMCCCD Trustees with a vision for the city’s future: a new library and initiatives to address the City’s 30,000 residents’ educational needs. Mayor Lopez remarked: “EPA is a city of entrepreneurs and untapped potential. Collaborations with Cañada College and JobTrain are fundamental steps for this resilient community to achieve broad educational and workforce development goals.”
President Kim Lopez presented on Cañada College’s strengthened ties with community organizations in various South San Mateo County communities, particularly North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and EPA. “Our goal is to create pathways to success for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved,” President Lopez stated. “We’re seeing remarkable results, with attendance from these areas well-exceeding expectations.”
President Lopez also highlighted how the College’s shuttle and Lyft Ridership programs increased accessibility for 132 students from EPA, North Fair Oaks, and Belle Haven last school year. Looking forward, she announced plans to expand degree and certificate offerings at the College’s Menlo Park site and deepen its partnership with JobTrain. “The College will create a Center for Economic Mobility in EPA to “bring college to the peoplein South County,” she emphasized.
Building on the success of Cañada College’s community partnerships, Dr. Richard Storti, Executive Vice Chancellor for SMCCCD, presented an enrollment report to the board which highlighted a 24% increase in SMCCCD’s domestic student headcount from Fall 2022 to Fall 2024. This is threefold the nationwide two-year college average increase during the same period. This growth in new students reverses a decade-long decline and puts the District on an upward trajectory. The Executive Vice Chancellor cited the Free College initiative and strategic marketing campaigns as reasons for the welcomed surge. Specifically, that EPA residents drove a remarkable 32% increase in enrollment over two years, with significant gains among Latinx (24%) and first-generation students (32%).
SMCCCD Board members also heard a first-ever report from the District’s newly established Performance Audit Unit. The report, focused on vendor management, included recommendations that would create internal controls to improve vendor record management.
Board President Pimentel commented that the Auditor’s report “marks a significant step in SMCCCD’s commitment to improving fiscal and program accountability and transparency. The District is the first in Northern California to implement such a unit and hire an internal auditor. We look forward to working with the Chancellor to review these recommendations at the next regular meeting with the intention of approving an implementation plan.”
Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu
About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students. For more information, see: smccd.edu
By Ana Mata/Daily Journal The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.
The San Mateo County Community College District is continuing to see enrollment increases following the implementation of its free college initiative, following a decade of declines.
Since fall 2022, the semester before the implementation of free college, the district has now seen a 24% increase in student head count, reported Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Storti at a board meeting Oct. 23. Enrollment increased 6% for the fall 2024 semester compared to spring 2024.
“The district has removed significant barriers faced by students resulting in term over term enrollment increases,” Storti said. “We continue to see steady enrollment growth across the district as a result of the free college initiative.”
In particular, there was a significant increase in enrollment from those living in East Palo Alto, a priority service area for the district. Enrollment of students increased 32% in two years, including substantial increases in Latinx and first generation students, at 24% and 32%, respectively.
In addition to the continued increases in first-time student enrollment, the district is also seeing strong retention rates. Storti also noted the district is beginning to see increases in returning students who might be away from higher education for a long period of time and now returning, which is a focus of the district.
Prior to the passing of Senate Bill 893 in 2022 which authorized the district to use general funds to pay enrollment fees and other costs for students, the district was consistently seeing a decrease in enrollment. From the 2011-12 school year to 2020-21 school years, the district’s number of students declined 23% overall, and full-time students declined 28%, Storti said.
“Rather than accept the fact that enrollment was declining, the Board of Trustees provided direction and aggressively advocated for ways of removing barriers faced by students,” Storti said.
Board President John Pimentel acknowledged the efforts of staff from each of the district’s three colleges toward achieving this enrollment goal. In particular, he applauded Cañada College that presented its partnerships in North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven and East Palo Alto at the same board meeting.
“Being in the community and working with the community, that’s what’s turned these numbers around,” Pimentel said.
The free college initiative is currently under a five-year trial period, and the district is looking how make it permanent, said Chancellor Melissa Moreno.
A ballot drop box now sits on all three campuses to encourage broad civic participation.
San Mateo, CA – The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is proud to announce a partnership with the San Mateo County Elections Office to install secure ballot drop-off boxes at all three of its colleges: Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College. These drop-off boxes will be available for use by students, faculty, staff, and the entire community, increasing accessibility and encouraging civic engagement during the current election season, which will end on November 5, 2024.
“We are deeply committed to the democratic process,” said Melissa Moreno, J.D., Chancellor for SMCCCD. “By offering convenient ballot drop-off locations on our campuses, we are making it easier for our students and the broader community to participate in their right to vote. This collaboration with the San Mateo County Elections Office reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and civic engagement.”
The ballot drop-off boxes will be available for use and remain accessible to the public at all hours up until 8:00 pm on Election Day on November 5, 2024. Specific locations of the ballot drop-off boxes can be found on the SMCCCD voter registration webpage: smccd.edu/registertovote.
This partnership between SMCCCD and the San Mateo County Elections Office ensures a safe and secure way for voters to cast their ballots, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu.
About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students.
Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquin Jimenez celebrates the San Mateo County Community College District opening its College of San Mateo’s Coastside Education Facility alongside, left to right, Trustee Mike Guingona, Chancellor Melissa Moreno, Trustee Lisa Petrides, and Joan Dentler, a representative for state Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo.
By Ana Mata/Daily Journal The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.
The College of San Mateo returns to Half Moon Bay with a permanent location hosting two classrooms and administrative buildings, providing expanded and equitable opportunities for the coastside community.
The Coastside Educational Facility looks to increase access to education over the hill and meet prospective students where they’re at, CSM President Manuel Alejandro Pérez said.
“This space is brought forward with a commitment that every person deserves access to education as a means to building futures that honor and celebrate our human dignity and our deep potential,” Pérez said.
The site — located at 650 Mill St. — was preserved by Joseph Cotchett and granted to the community college district in an effort to promote education in the “city he fell in love with.”
The coastside campus will host two classrooms, administrative offices, and serve as a hub for community partnerships. Key services at the coastside campus include language and literacy programs, career training for living wage jobs, and college and transfer readiness courses, Pérez said.
“Each program is designed with care, with intent and a vision of uplifting the coastside community, especially our Latinx and Asian American communities, our migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and our long-standing community members here on the coast,” Pérez said.
Establishing the coastside facility has been a priority of the San Mateo County Community College District, Chancellor Melissa Moreno said.
“We built three beautiful campuses atop three beautiful hills that not everyone can get to,” Moreno said. “This is why it is so important to bring the classroom into the communities we serve where transportation fails us.”
Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquin Jimenez welcomed the college back to the coast and said the facility shows how the city is thriving.
The coastside allows for more adults on the coast to take courses “right here in our backyard” as well, Jimenez said.
That lifelong learning is necessary, said Mike O’Neill, outreach community liaison for San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller. O’Neill said the average person will change their career five to seven times during their life, and 30% of the current workforce changes jobs every 12 months.
“This center is a part of the education puzzle,” O’Neill said. “This is the San Mateo County Community College District supporting and meeting, head on, the challenges of today’s families.”
More than 10 years ago, the college used to rent space at Shoreline Station as a similar “minicampus” that wasn’t permanently established.
“What’s different now is that we are embedded here, we are here to stay,” board Trustee Lisa Petrides said. “Here is where learning happens.”
The effort to bring college back to the coast was a part of Half Moon Bay’s effort toward finding its way out of the pandemic and positioning itself for the next economy, Karen Decker, the city’s Economic and Community Vitality manager, said.
The coordination with the College of San Mateo helps promote local residents toward pursuing higher education and increase access to more job opportunities, Decker said.
“It is easy to say words like equity and access, but [the district] demonstrated your commitment by investing in this incredible facility and all that it represents to the people who live here, especially first generation college students,” she said.
The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is seeking members of the public to serve as directors on the Educational Housing Corporation Board. The Board seeks to advance education by supporting SMCCCD in its efforts to attract and retain qualified educational employees by managing and operating affordable housing for such employees.
Applications are now being accepted from any eligible person, 18 years or older, interested in filling a vacancy. Individuals with professional expertise in residential property management/operations, legal and/or financial experience in housing-related issues, or closely related experiences are encouraged to apply. The application form is available at the SMCCCD Educational Housing Corporation Board website.
Applications will be reviewed at the following public Educational Housing Corporation Board meeting. The Educational Housing Corporation Board of Directors will then submit recommendations to the SMCCCD Trustees for final appointments at a future public Board of Trustees meeting.
Educational Housing Corporation Board Directors serve staggered four-year terms and may serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms. Two vacant positions are currently open.
Cañada Vista at Cañada CollegeCollege Vista at CSMCollege Ridge at Skyline College
About the SMCCCD Employee Housing Program: In response to regional housing costs that are among the highest in the country, SMCCCD has undertaken initiatives to assist faculty and staff with high housing expenses. The District owns and operates 134 housing units at College of San Mateo, Cañada College, and Skyline College campuses, available to faculty and staff (who meet the definition of first-time homebuyers). Employees can live in these units for up to five years and pay rent well below market rate.
About San Mateo County Community College District: The SMCCCD is a three-college district located between San Francisco and San Jose in the Silicon Valley. The District’s three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, serve more than 30,000 students each year and offer the first two years of instruction in a wide variety of degree and transfer programs, as well as vocational-technical programs. For more information: https://smccd.edu/
“CSM gave me an opportunity to turn things around. Now I’m here, studying what I love, and looking forward to the future.“
Born and raised in the Bay Area to a Brazilian family, psychology major Maryanna Oliveira is a first-generation student at College of San Mateo (CSM). After graduating from nearby Hillsdale High School, she is in her second year at CSM, charting a path toward transferring to UC Davis. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and the supportive community she’s found at CSM, made possible by the San Mateo County Community College District’s (SMCCCD) Free College initiative.
Her journey to CSM began unexpectedly during a college fair at her high school. Intrigued by the opportunities presented at the CSM table, she delved deeper, exploring the college’s offerings through social media and website. However, like many prospective students, Maryanna grappled with the daunting costs of higher education. “At first, I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to go to college because of all the financial cost,” she recalls. “College can get expensive.”
The introduction of the Free College initiative by SMCCCD transformed her prospects. This program waives enrollment fees and provides additional financial support for qualifying San Mateo County residents, effectively removing the economic barriers often hindering students from pursuing higher education. For Maryanna, this meant the difference between setting aside her academic aspirations and actively chasing her dreams. “CSM gave me an opportunity to turn that around,” she says with gratitude. “Now I’m actually here at school, studying, and it’s helped me a lot.”
While Maryanna’s primary focus is Psychology, a field she is passionate about because it explores the human mind and behavior, she hasn’t limited herself to courses within her major. Perhaps surprisingly, her favorite class is a songwriting course in the College’s Music department. “It doesn’t really have anything to do with my major, but it’s something that I like to do in my free time,” she explains. This class has allowed her to express herself creatively, which is essential to keeping herself feeling balanced with her full load of courses.
With plans to transfer to UC Davis, Maryanna is focused on the future. She envisions a career where she can make a meaningful impact in psychology, possibly working with youth or in community settings. The foundation she’s building at CSM is a critical step toward these goals. “I’m excited about what’s ahead,” she says enthusiastically. “CSM has prepared me well for the next chapter.”
Maryanna is a strong advocate for CSM and encourages others to consider the College as a stepping stone toward their own dreams. “Just know that this is a great place for you to be,” she advises prospective students. “We have an amazing community here. Everybody is really nice.”
She emphasizes that the Free College initiative is more than just financial aid—it’s an opportunity to change one’s trajectory. “If not for free college, I might not be here,” Maryanna reflects. “It has impacted my life in a very good way.”
Maryanna’s story is a powerful example of how access to education can transform lives. With the support of SMCCCD’s Free College enrollment fee waiver and CSM’s student services, she has overcome financial obstacles, explored her passions, and set her sights on a promising future. Her journey underscores the importance of making higher education accessible to all and inspires others facing similar challenges.
A priority for Cañada College is to “bring college to the people,” ensuring meaningful partnerships and college-going opportunities for the residents of East Palo Alto.
San Mateo, CA – San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) will hold its Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the East Palo Alto (EPA) City Council Chambers. The meeting location was specifically chosen to enable South County community members to attend either in person or virtually, and learn about SMCCCD’s enhanced educational pathways and opportunities and build long-lasting relationships in the East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and North Fair Oaks communities.
John Pimentel, SMCCCD Board President, stated, “Holding our Board meeting in East Palo Alto deepens our colleges’ relationship with the community groups, faith-based organizations, and families in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and North Fair Oaks. SMCCCD is working to increase the visibility of and access to our programs and services, which can enhance earning potential and change life trajectories for the students we serve.”
Pimentel added, “We thank the East Palo Alto City Council and staff for their hospitality and partnership to improve awareness of the educational opportunities we provide to benefit the people of our community.”
The meeting will feature a special presentation by Cañada College, focusing on the educational opportunities offered through various local community partnerships, and the college’s efforts to expand and deepen those partnerships. Additionally, East Palo Alto Mayor Antonio Lopez will present a brief State of the City address to inform the Board of Trustees about the needs of the community.
Kim Lopez, Cañada College President, emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “Our presentation will showcase the collaborative efforts between Cañada College and local partner organizations to create pathways to success for students and community members. We’re proud of the work we’ve done so far and look forward to sharing our progress with the Board and the public.”
Mayor Lopez added, “We are thrilled to welcome the SMCCCD Board of Trustees to East Palo Alto for this important meeting. This gathering highlights our ongoing partnership and emphasizes our shared commitment to addressing the educational needs of our community. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for all our residents, ensuring that every student has access to the academic resources they need to succeed.”
The San Mateo County Community College District invites all interested community members, families, community groups, and prospective students to attend this important meeting to learn more about the educational opportunities and partnerships benefiting EPA and the broader South San Mateo County region.
For more information about the meeting or to access virtual attendance options, please visit smccd.edu after the meeting agenda is posted on Friday, October 18.
Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu
About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students.
Bill aims to expand the pool of registered nurses by allowing select community colleges to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
San Mateo, CA – Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign a new bill into law creating ten baccalaureate nursing programs at community colleges across the state. San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) supports SB 895 by Senator Richard Roth because it would help address California’s nursing shortage.
“Addressing California’s nursing shortage is not just a priority; it’s a necessity for the health and well-being of our communities. The Governor’s signature on SB 895 would mark a transformative milestone for our community colleges and the students we serve,” said SMCCCD Board of Trustees President John Pimentel.
California is suffering from a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs). In 2018, more than 85% of hospitals in California reported that the demand for RNs was greater than the available supply—a public health crisis that has not improved and has instead been exacerbated by the global pandemic.
District Chancellor Melissa Moreno notes, “By enabling a bachelor’s degree in nursing, this legislation empowers community colleges to address critical healthcare workforce shortages and provide a direct pathway to advanced education and career opportunities for students. This change enhances healthcare quality in our communities and opens doors to rewarding careers, ultimately driving economic growth and improving lives.”
Historically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) has been the basic credential requirement for employment as an RN in a healthcare facility, and four-year institutions have traditionally awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, the healthcare workforce requirements are changing, and hospitals increasingly prefer and require a BSN degree. According to a 2021 Health Impact report, 18% of California hospitals surveyed stated that a BSN was required for employment—twice the percentage noted in 2017—and 54.3% of hospitals reported a preference for hiring nurses with BSN degrees.
SB 895 (Roth) bridges the nursing gap in the State by utilizing existing ADN programs at community colleges to address the lack of capacity in public, four-year nursing schools. With the difference between an ADN and a BSN being only an additional 30 units of upper-division, major coursework, several ADN programs are well positioned to expand their offerings to BSN degrees.
SB 895 (Roth) establishes a sustainable and cost-neutral path forward for community colleges to meet the community and workforce demand for more nurses.
Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu
