Larry Andre for NOCCCD Trustee, Area 3
Student Success Must Be Our Top Priority
Every student deserves a real path forward, whether that's a four-year degree, a skilled trade, an apprenticeship, or a certificate.
I couldn't afford a four-year college, so I became a mason. I built a successful construction company, taught dozens of people the trade, and then spent 12 years teaching career education at Long Beach City College and Santa Ana College. That experience shaped what I'll fight for on the board.
The Issues
Student Success Comes First
Every decision the board makes should answer one question: does this help students succeed? I want students to leave our colleges with knowledge, skills, confidence, and a clear pathway to a better future.
More Than One Path to Success
A four-year degree is the right choice for many students, but it isn't the only one. University transfer, certificates, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and continuing education all lead somewhere worthwhile. Every one of those paths deserves respect and real investment.
Career Education That Works
I've seen pre-apprenticeship programs change lives. For many working families, career education is the first step toward the middle class. I'll push to strengthen career and technical education, apprenticeships, workforce training, job shadowing, and work-based learning.
Bring Industry into the Classroom
Local employers, industry, and labor can help our colleges teach the skills students actually need. They can help with curriculum, equipment, instructors, internships, and jobs. Education should prepare students for the real world they're entering, not just hand them a certificate.
“Build the pathway around the student, not the student around the pathway.”
Student Success. Career Opportunity. A Better Future.
That's the community college system I want to help build.