CONTACT:

Martha Parham

District Director, Public Affairs

(714) 438-4605

January 20, 2015

NEWS

Board of Trustees Supports America’s College Promise Proposal Costa Mesa, Calif. – The Coast Community College District Board of Trustees sent a letter to President Barack Obama in support of his America’s College Promise proposal. Sent by Board President Lorraine Prinsky on behalf of Coast Community College District’s Board of Trustees, the letter expressed support of the initiative as an investment in the local, regional, and national economies. EDITORS NOTE: The text of the letter is attached.

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The district is headquartered in Costa Mesa, Ca. and serves more than 50,000 full-time

students each semester at its three colleges – Coastline Community College, Golden West

College and Orange Coast College.

January 20, 2015 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Reference: America’s College Promise Dear President Obama, On behalf of Coast Community College District, its three colleges, and its 50,000 students, please accept our gratitude for your recent America’s College Promise proposal and your unwavering support of the nation’s 1,200 community colleges. We share your vision that an investment in the education of Americans is not only beneficial for students, but to the communities in which they live and learn. In particular, your proposal to assist the full range of the dynamic and diverse community college student population is welcome and necessary to increase degree completion and provide relevant vocational training. Building a clear and accessible pathway to higher education is the key to meeting the goals set by your administration. Community colleges are a great investment for both citizens and communities. For every dollar spent on a community college education, students at Coast Colleges realize an increase of $11,000 in annual earnings and a 17% return on investment. Local communities see a return of $4.78 for every dollar – far better than any return from a standard bank account. With an estimated $6-billion investment, we can ensure that both students and the economy realize significant economic gains as well as decreased costs for social programs. This is a win-win for our students, our communities, and our nation. Coast Community College District stands ready to support the development and implementation of this watershed initiative. The strength of our country begins with education. Sincerely, Lorraine Prinsky, Ph.D. President, Board of Trustees CC: Coast Community College District Board of Trustees Interim Chancellor Tom K. Harris, Jr.