Menu

Community Survey Shows Support for College Needs

photo of the Mt. SAC campus vista
By Jill Dolan

July 02, 2018 - 11:45 AM

An independent community survey commissioned by Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) shows residents strongly support the affordable, quality programs Mt. SAC provides. The college serves more than 1 million residents in Baldwin ParkCity of IndustryCovinaDiamond BarGlendora (southern portion), IrwindaleLa PuenteLa VernePomonaSan DimasWalnutWest Covina, Bassett, Charter Oak, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights and Valinda.

Conducted in May 2018 by FM3 Research, the survey provides insight into constituent perspectives on current academic needs, with concerns about safety, vocational education and affordability topping the list. For example, 85 percent of respondents want Mt. SAC to expand access to its high quality, affordable education so that more students can attend college.

Residents identified a number of priorities including: preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, repairing deteriorating gas, electrical and sewer lines, repairing decaying walls, drainage systems and leaky roofs, improving student safety, improving access for disabled students, and expanding career technical education programs for disabled students.

Mt. SAC President Dr. William Scroggins said, “Our district not only helps students transfer to four-year institutions, but also provides the opportunity for high school students to get a jumpstart on earning college credit by taking courses. We are so pleased that our communities value these services and want to see our campus buildings and classrooms upgraded so we can continue this important work.”

“Career technical education that provides job training, technical knowledge and specialized skills to compete for good paying, cutting-edge careers is essential for our students. We must continue upgrading workforce development programs to train and prepare students for today’s in-demand jobs and a competitive global economy,” Dr. Scroggins said.

Residents also recognized the need to keep students safe and expressed support for upgrades and improvements of the college’s security and emergency systems through the installation of cameras, lighting and other measures.

Up to 76 percent of respondents indicated they would support a 55 percent requirement education bond to make essential upgrades to Mt. SAC.

For the complete report of community survey results, visit https://www.mtsac.edu/efmp/documents/Community_Survey-2018-05.pdf