Van Ton-Quinlivan is Doing What Matters!

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We can all be very proud of the great leadership coming out of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office!

Van Ton-Quinlivan, Vice Chancellor of workforce and economic development of California’s system of 112 community colleges, is working to transform the country’s largest higher education system through Doing What MATTERS for Jobs and Economy. On May 6th, 2013 the White House honored Van and fourteen other women as “Champions of Change.” The event recognizes women who are doing extraordinary things to create a more equal, safe, and prosperous future for their communities and the country. These leaders – in business, advocacy, philanthropy, sports, the arts, and academia – are wonderful examples for young women across the country.

Doing What MATTERS for jobs and the economy is a four-pronged framework strategy to respond to the call of our nation, state, and regions to close the skills gap. The four prongs are:

  • Give Priority for jobs and the economy
  •  Make Room for jobs and the economy
  • Promote Student Success
  • Innovate for jobs and the economy

ICT/Digital Media a Priority

Because of the great demand for graduates who can serve the high-tech sector of the economy, nearly all of the Community College Regions have selected the ICT/Digital Media Sector as a priority or emerging priority. Under the Doing What Matters strategy, Steven Wright from the Rancho Santiago Community College District will provide statewide leadership as the “ICT/Digital Media Sector Navigator.”  In this role, Steve will be working with Community College Regions to achieve measureable outcomes. The work of the Regional Deputy ICT/Digital Media Navigators will include Middle school workshops and bridge programs focused on career and skills awareness and student orientation and assessments. At the High school level, the work of the Regional Deputy ICT/Digital Media Navigators will include a focus on Career Technical Education articulated pathways and bridge programs to help students successfully transition to a community college.