Why Should I Give to the Foundation of City College of San Francisco?
Jennifer’s Story…
I have been at City College part time for almost three years. Without the flexible class schedule, I wouldn’t be able to continue my studies alongside my full-time job. One more semester and I’ll have my general education requirements fulfilled in order to transfer to San Francisco State. I know I’m not the only one who is grateful for City College and the invaluable education it has provided me. Please help us save City College for all of us now and those to come!
My name is Jennifer, and I am one of the many students at City College of San Francisco who desperately need to take Math 860. I am writing to let you know that there is a great demand for the class, and many students, including myself, would be very grateful if another section or two could be opened up.
I was among the 50 or so students who, last night, were stuffing themselves in to Dr. Grace Chen’s classroom, hoping to get a coveted add sticker. It was truly a crazy ridiculous scene, which Dr. Chen handled with grace (no pun intended) and humor. Unfortunately there is just not enough space, and although she made it clear that she wished she could take us all, the workload for her would be huge and overwhelming.
We all understand the recent budget cuts; many of us are feeling the economic pinch in our personal lives too. But that is precisely the reason why more sections of these popular, mandatory classes need to be opened up. There is no shortage of students willing to pay and study hard.
Please consider opening another section of math 860 if it is within your power, or if not, please take this plea to the proper person. I know I speak for hundreds of students when I say that there is a need for more classes.
Thank you for your time,
Jennifer
City College of San Francisco is vital to the continuing development of the Bay Area’s economy. The College is the largest workforce trainer in San Francisco and the largest provider of post-secondary education with campuses and instructional sites located throughout San Francisco’s neighborhood communities.
For more than 75 years, City College of San Francisco has been a dependable entry point for San Franciscans and other Bay Area residents. At City College students have been able to:
- Earn a college degree;
- Prepare for transfer to a four-year institution;
- Upgrade job skills or obtain a vocational certificate;
- Gain new knowledge; and
- Become proficient in the English language.
For generations, the College has been an open door: an accessible and affordable pathway to a better life. For many San Francisco families, City College has been the only viable option to help them move up the economic ladder through workforce training and academic degrees.
Access to City College and the affordable educational resources it provides is facing its greatest threat in history: drastic cuts in state funding for higher education.
The largest source of revenue to support its operations is the funding City College receives from the State of California.
Annual funding has been reduced by more than $24 million during the past four years, representing more than 10% of the College’s operating revenue.
The College has taken urgent measures to reduce costs while maintaining its offerings. It has reduced salaries, enacted hiring freezes, eliminated contracts for services and consultants, and even canceled the 2009 summer session.
Continuing funding reductions have forced the College to decrease the number of classes it offers and services it provides its students. These ongoing reductions have made it increasingly difficult for students to complete their education.
Because the State of California no longer fully supports the quality education that City College of San Francisco provides, the Foundation of City College of San Francisco is reaching out to the community to help keep the doors open for the 100,000 students it serves each year.
In fiscal year 2011-2012 alone, the College saw a state cut of $15 million.
“The community college system will lead the way out of the recession, because these are the schools that are strongly focused on preparing students for the workforce.”
—Dr. Don Q. Griffin, Chancellor, City College of San Francisco
The proposed budget for 2012-2113 will not restore the funds City College has lost over the past four years, and further costs are expected. Without community support—additional funding—City College will not be able to provide today’s students the same educational opportunities that were available to previous generations.
Increased community support will help fund core academic programs, including math, science, and writing, and student support services. And will significantly improve the College’s ability to keep its doors open for all students, providing access to high-quality, affordable educational opportunities.
