Cal Poly Humboldt is among several institutions awarded funding to increase educational access for community college students. The National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) has allocated $5,000 to Humboldt, which will be matched by an additional $5,000 from the California State University’s Chancellor’s Office.
Support for the SEED Project
The funding will support the Far North Satellite Education and Employment Development (SEED) project, part of the University’s Interdisciplinary Studies—Individualized Degree Plan (IDP). This initiative collaborates with local community colleges, including College of the Redwoods and Shasta College, to provide opportunities for students who have earned an associate’s degree to continue their education online, using resources from their local institutions.
Enhancing Student Experiences
The SEED project aims to enhance student experiences by facilitating on-site advising, student services, co-curricular activities, and career development, thereby fostering connections within the community. By focusing on localized support, the initiative intends to bridge the gap between remote learning and traditional campus life, preparing students for academic success.
Comments from Leadership
Rebecca Robertson, the Director of the IDP, noted the importance of this funding in advancing Cal Poly Humboldt’s mission to expand educational access through innovative methodologies in teaching and learning.
Flexible Learning Options
The IDP program allows students to tailor their majors with courses from various disciplines and institutions, providing flexible learning options that may include in-person, online, or hybrid formats. This model aims to reduce structural barriers and promote interdisciplinary learning, aligning academic goals with students’ personal commitments and career aspirations.
Funding for Micro-Scholarships
In addition to supporting the SEED project, the funding will facilitate micro-scholarships for students and the development of support systems on community college campuses. Cal Poly Humboldt is one of 32 institutions sharing in a total of $220,000 in funding from NASH.
Chancellor’s Statement
Mildred García, Chancellor of California State University, emphasized the necessity of equitable access to quality education and praised the role of innovative programs funded by NASH in alleviating financial barriers and broadening opportunities for diverse populations.
The NASH Catalyst Fund
The NASH Catalyst Fund is designed to identify and promote successful educational programs across the California State University, University of California, and California Community Colleges systems, focusing on practices that can be adapted by other institutions. This initiative highlights collaborative efforts to improve student success on a national level.
Initial Funding Allocation
The initial funding round of the Catalyst Fund has allocated $275,000 to support effective interventions with the potential for significant impact across educational systems.
Original source: Humboldt State University News.