Community College Innovation Scholars Program
Program Overview
The Community College Innovation Scholars Program is a three-year initiative created by USC Rossier in partnership with Southwestern College. Its purpose is to broaden access to graduate education for community college faculty and staff, strengthen leadership across the system, and support research that improves community colleges.
Through a cohort-based, hybrid model, Southwestern College faculty and staff will pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at the USC Rossier School of Education while remaining in their campus roles and communities.
Why It Matters
California community colleges educate more than 2.1 million students each year and serve as the primary gateway to higher education for all California high school graduates. Around 33% of high school graduates enroll in community college, and the institutions are especially essential for low-income and first-generation students, as well as working adults and communities historically excluded from four-year pathways.
- Leadership Development: Many community colleges struggle with turnover and lack enough professional growth opportunities for faculty and staff.
- Educational Access: The program helps remove financial and structural barriers that make it difficult for community college educators to pursue advanced degrees.
- Applied Research: It supports research led by practitioners that produces practical insights to improve student success and institutional effectiveness.
Program Impact
- Support Scholars: Over three years, three cohorts of up to 40 Innovation Scholars at the master’s and doctoral levels will be supported.
- Advance Research: Scholars will complete up to 120 applied research projects focused on key priorities like equity, student success, workforce development, and institutional improvement.
- Drive System-Wide Change: By building leadership and research capacity, the program aims to create sustainable improvements that benefit community colleges across the region.
For inquireis or major gift conversations, contact:
Rachel Beal (bealr@rossier.usc.edu)
Zaneta Encarnacion (zencarnacion@swccd.edu).