Affordable College and Job Training

The cost to attend California’s public universities has risen to nearly six times that of attending a community college. GCC provides affordable opportunities for local students to earn college credits and certifications, learn job skills at a reasonable cost and transfer to four-year colleges and universities without incurring significant debt. GCC trains many of the essential workers like nurses, medical professionals, emergency medical technicians and others who serve our community. GCC also provides job training for veterans returning to the local workforce.

An Aging Campus in Need of Repair

GCC has served the Glendale area for nearly 100 years and most of the campus was built over 60 years ago. While some buildings have been upgraded in recent years, many classrooms, learning labs and job training facilities are outdated and in need of repairs and upgrades. For example, aging infrastructure like electrical systems, security systems, plumbing and gas and sewer lines need to be replaced. Classrooms and labs need updates to support modern learning technology and to meet current educational standards. Improvements to ensure earthquake safety, fire safety and campus security are also needed.

Locally Controlled Funding for Safe and Modern Classrooms and Labs

Because the State does not provide dedicated funding for upgrading community college facilities, the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a local bond measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot. This measure would provide locally controlled funding to repair and upgrade GCC classrooms and facilities, including:

• Repairing deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas and sewer lines and outdated electrical systems
• Providing classrooms with equipment and technology to support critical career pathways like nursing, law enforcement, firefighting, paramedics, robotics and engineering
• Improving access for students with disabilities
• Removing hazardous materials like asbestos, mold and lead
• Improving earthquake safety, fire safety and campus security, including safety lighting in parking lots and walkways

Fiscal Accountability and Local Control Required

A local bond measure would require strict accountability, including:

• All funds would be controlled locally for GCC improvements only and could not be taken away by the State
• An independent citizens’ oversight committee, mandatory annual audits and public disclosure of all spending would be required
• No funds could be used for administrator salaries or benefits
• A local measure would help GCC qualify for state matching funds that would otherwise go to other communities

Learn More!

As GCC plans for the future, please share your thoughts, priorities and questions. Check out the links below to stay involved.

• Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions