Economic and Business Development
Calbright College is committed to increasing economic mobility and closing equity gaps for working adults who lack easy access to traditional forms of higher education. We are a new kind of college. Among our many innovative elements is the belief that an in-house economic and business development unit is crucial for meeting our mission.
We advance the College’s mission by building and participating in sustainable and sustaining education-to-employment systems that promote equitable prosperity regionally and statewide.
Our work is inspired by America’s Hidden Economic Engines, edited by Robert B. Schwartz and Rachel Lipson
At a moment when there is recognition about the importance of investing in place, where we have regions and communities that have been left behind for decades, we need a new lens for thinking about community college success... they're going to be critical to the future of our local economies. And also to our democracy, for people feeling that they have a shot to move up the ladder in this country.
Rachel Lipson
Harvard’s Project on Workforce's founding director, Senior Policy Advisor in the CHIPS Program Office
Our Approach
We introduce innovative systems change initiatives aimed to enhance the overall quality of life and career prospects for Calbright students.
The Issue
The economic mobility of adult learners across California is impeded by misaligned education-to-employment systems and structures.
Our Strategies
Bridge and Convene
Experiment and Innovate
Establish Presence
Our Work
- Strengthens internal alignment across Calbright
- Broadens students' fair advancement opportunities through experiential learning opportunities
- Builds sustainable and sustaining systems through the use of novel/applicable frameworks
- Influences economic development models in higher education
Our Values
Human-Centered
Data-Informed
Thought Leadership
Our Approach
We introduce innovative systems change initiatives aimed to enhance the overall quality of life and career prospects for Calbright students.
The Issue
The economic mobility of adult learners across California is impeded by misaligned education-to-employment systems and structures.
Our Strategies
Bridge and Convene
We inspire collaboration and coordinate action both across and outside of Calbright.
Experiment and Innovate
We lead with creativity and agility to navigate complex challenges as we test and build impactful education-to-employment systems.
Establish Presence
We continuously learn from researchers and leading practitioners in the economic development ecosystem. Using our learnings, we customize and build new practices, and share those broadly.
Our Work
Strengthens internal alignment across Calbright
Broadens students' fair advancement opportunities through experiential learning opportunities
Builds sustainable and sustaining systems through the use of novel/applicable frameworks
Influences economic development models in higher education
Our Values
Human-Centered
We take a participatory approach to identify opportunities and create solutions, acting with integrity and compassion.
Data-Informed
Our actions are rooted in research and strategic decision-making, anticipating rapid changes in the economic environment in California.
Thought Leadership
We believe in learning from others, iterating together, leading through action, and paving a new road.
Connect with the Economic and Business Development Team
We work with:
- Calbright students & staff
- Industry partners
- Intermediaries
- Government
- Subject-matter experts
If you are ready to foster equitable economic growth in California, we invite you to join us!
