The Grants Department at West Hills Community College District is a vital funding source, as it has helped the district expand programs, support research initiatives, and improve student outcomes. In the 2021-22 academic year, the WHCCD grants department managed an impressive 74 grant projects, totaling over $20 million in supplemental funding to support student success.
These grants come from a mix of state, federal, and private foundation grantors and include partnerships with other educational institutions and industry partners. The funders are a diverse group, including the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the National Science Foundation, and the US Departments of Agriculture, Education, Justice, and Labor, as well as several California state agencies and the California State University Chancellor’s Office.
The range of funding priorities is also diverse, reflecting the complex and multifaceted challenges facing college students enrolled in the district. In the 2021-22 academic year, major funding priorities included Covid recovery, career and technical education (CTE), science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and transitioning from high school to college.
One of the most significant challenges faced by students is financial insecurity. Many students come from low-income families and struggle to cover basic living expenses, such as housing, food, tuition, and textbooks. Grants that support student success can alleviate these financial burdens, providing much-needed financial aid and resources to help students stay enrolled and succeed academically.
In addition to financial support, grants can help expand access to critical programs and resources, such as CTE and STEM education. These fields are in high demand by employers, and community colleges play a vital role in preparing students for these careers. However, the costs associated with these programs can be significant, and grants can help bridge the gap between what colleges can afford and what students need to succeed.
Grants can also support efforts to improve the transition from high school to college. For many students, the leap from high school to college can be overwhelming, particularly if they are the first in their family to pursue higher education. Grants that support college readiness initiatives, such as early college programs, academic counseling, and peer mentoring, can help to smooth the transition and ensure that students are well-prepared for college-level coursework.
