Overview

The Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development (SIED) is committed to expanding educational access and opportunities, especially for historically underrepresented populations, including Black-African, Pacific Islander, and Latinx communities. By forging strategic partnerships, developing inclusive educational pathways, and implementing customized outreach, SIED strives to empower these communities and drive positive change. SIED’s efforts are focused on building a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient community, where every individual has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

SIED’s efforts are centered around eight key areas:

• Dual Enrollment: Expanding access to college for high school students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, by providing opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. This initiative aims to break down barriers to higher education and increase college readiness, giving students a strong academic foundation.
• Middle College: Providing an alternative high school experience that allows students to complete their high school education on the CSM campus while earning college credits. Middle College is designed to engage students who might not thrive in a traditional high school setting, offering them a unique opportunity to accelerate their academic journey in a supportive environment.
• Workforce Development: Creating inclusive training programs that align with high-demand career fields, ensuring that students are prepared for success in the local job market. Collaborations with local employers focus on establishing diverse career pathways that provide stable, long-term employment opportunities.
• Outreach & Recruitment: Actively engaging with historically underrepresented communities to ensure that education at CSM is accessible to everyone. Outreach initiatives aim to build connections, provide guidance through the enrollment process, and support students from the moment they express interest in attending CSM.
• Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to create opportunities that are inclusive and accessible. These partnerships are designed to support educational access and foster a welcoming, diverse learning environment for all community members.
• CSM Connect - Adult Transition: Providing comprehensive support to adult learners, facilitating their journey from local adult schools to College of San Mateo. This holistic approach ensures that students receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement needed to successfully transition into higher education.
• CSM Coastside: Serving the unique needs of the Coastside community, CSM Coastside offers access to higher education, career training, and support services tailored to Coastside community, including Latinx, Chinese, and migrant farmworker populations. This extension campus provides opportunities for language development, academic advancement, and economic mobility, ensuring that Coastside students can achieve their educational and career goals.
• ESL Support on Campus: Providing comprehensive assistance to multi-lingual learners, including help with enrollment, class selection, financial aid applications, and access to campus resources, to support their educational goals.