Online Learning receives $500,000 grant to broaden programs and services
Foothill College has received a $500,000 grant to support online student success and create two new certificates in high-demand and emerging fields.
The grant will build new online certificates in cloud computing and digital marketing. Both certificates will be offered online beginning fall 2019.
The growth of cloud computing (the delivery of computing services over the Internet) has necessitated a need for IT workers to retrain and created a need for new employs with cloud computing skills. Labor market data from the Center of Excellence shows a significant gap in worker preparation in this area. The certificate is being developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the largest providers of cloud- hosting services.
The digital marketing certificate program is being developed in collaboration with Facebook and Pathstreams. There is a high demand for individuals who can utilize digital marketing tools such as social media, website ads and data analytics. This program allows students to learn new skills, re-train and return to the workplace, or update their marketing skills.
“Foothill College has always been a leader statewide in online education, and we are excited to continue that trend,” said Lené Whitley-Putz, Foothill College Interim Dean of Instructional Technology. “These new certificates will help students begin a career or go on to additional training to broaden their skills in emerging labor markets. It’s an exciting opportunity for our students to participate in low-cost programs that position them to start earning a decent salary right away.
The funds will also be used to expand support services for online students. This includes developing a robust online orientation and enhancing online student services such as counseling, tutoring and essential needs.
The $500,000 grant was awarded by the Improving Online CTE Pathways Grant from the California Community Colleges’ Virtual Campus - Online Education Initiative. Foothill College was one of 23 pilot colleges initially accepted into the CVC-OEI. The college was recently rated as the number one online community college in California and third in the country.
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