Empowering California Community Colleges to Champion Climate Resilience
In June, a momentous event united professionals from across the state at West LA College, to examine the pivotal role of California Community Colleges in promoting sustainability and building climate resilience. The event, “California Community College and Climate: Defining the Future,” was the first in a series organized in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, West Los Angeles College’s Center for Climate Change Education, and the Foundation for California Community College’s (FoundationCCC) Center for Climate Futures.
With a diverse audience of over 200 attendees, including representatives from community colleges, community partners, and business associates, the event provided a platform for collective responsibility and purpose-driven discussions. Notably, Chancellor Sonya Christian, who had recently assumed her role, emphasized the significance of sustainability as a top priority. The gathering served as the starting point for an ongoing conversation that will extend throughout the academic year, fostering a united commitment towards environmental stewardship within the community college system.
The event focused on system priorities that will be integrated into the California Community Colleges’ 2023 Governor’s Roadmap Report, with discussions centered around four critical fields of climate practice: facilities and operations, workforce development, community engagement, and resource development. Distinguished speakers included the Office of the Governor’s Ben Chida, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s Stewart Knox, Secretary, and representatives from various community colleges and organizations.
CollegeBuys, an unwavering ally, plays a crucial role in supporting district sustainability and facilities modernization efforts by ensuring compliant contracts for essential goods and services, while also embedding sustainable procurement guidelines in all relevant Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and program agreements. Those interested in learning more about CollegeBuys’ sustainability contract portfolio can explore our comprehensive Campus Facilities and Operations contract directory or directly contact us at cbcontracts@foundationccc.org for additional information.
As we move forward, the FoundationCCC’s Center for Climate Future and CollegeBuys remain enthusiastic about continuing our support for the community college system and the state in their efforts to address climate change and environmental challenges. Through collective action and informed decision-making, we aspire to create a greener and more resilient future for all.
