MARTINEZ, CA – The value of the Contra Costa Community College District (District) expands beyond the educational services provided to students to create a positive impact on the regional economy, according to a new study conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (Emsi).
The District, comprised of Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College, generated $1.8 billion in income to the Contra Costa County region in fiscal year 2016-17, which is approximately 2.3% of the total gross regional product of Contra Costa County. By comparison, this economic impact is larger than the entire Accommodation and Food Industry Services industry in the county.
“The results of the study confirms our District is a significant economic contributor to the community,” said Governing Board President Vicki Gordon. “In partnership with the business community, we are doing our part to provide the 21st century skills necessary to obtain good paying jobs for our graduates so they can stay in our community.”
The study revealed a number of District impacts to the region’s economy including:
- supported one out of every 25 jobs in the county through the activities of the District and its students;
- contributed $1.5 billion in added income due to increased earnings of District alumni and the businesses where they work;
- boosted average associate degree graduate earnings by $11,500 more than a high school graduate at their career midpoint;
- supported students whose goal was to transfer to a four-year college/university and obtain a baccalaureate degree, which eventually increased their average earnings to $70,500 at career midpoint;
- every dollar invested in the District by taxpayers returned $3.20 in added tax revenue and public sector savings; and
- benefitted society by educating students who are more likely to be healthy, less reliant on social services and civically engaged.
“It takes an entire community to create the quality of life that we enjoy here in Contra Costa County,” said Chancellor Fred Wood. “As a District, with colleges in every corner of the county, we are proud to be a key economic engine and workforce development partner so our local businesses can thrive in the global economy.” He added, “This study once again shows that a community college education is a great investment for our students, their families and our taxpayers.”
Please visit http://www.4cd.edu/economicimpact/default.aspx to access the full economic impact study.
The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.
Economic Modeling Specialists International (Emsi), a CareerBuilder company, is a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data to educational institutions, workforce planners, and regional developers in the U.S. and internationally. Since 2000, Emsi has completed over 1,200 economic impact studies for educational institutions in four countries. Visit www.economicmodeling.com for more information about Emsi’s products and services.
