San Diego, January 13, 2026
Assemblymember David Alvarez has reintroduced Assembly Bill 664 to allow Southwestern College in Chula Vista to offer up to four bachelor’s degrees. This initiative addresses the educational gap in South San Diego County, where many residents lack access to public universities. By aligning programs with local workforce needs, the bill aims to equip residents with qualifications for over 25,000 new jobs projected by 2033. The California State Assembly’s Higher Education Committee will review the bill in an upcoming hearing.
San Diego Assemblymember Revives Bill to Expand Bachelor’s Degree Access
San Diego, CA – Assemblymember David Alvarez has reintroduced Assembly Bill 664, aiming to allow Southwestern College in Chula Vista to offer up to four bachelor’s degrees aligned with regional workforce needs. This initiative seeks to address the educational gap in South San Diego County, where nearly 600,000 residents currently lack access to public universities offering bachelor’s programs.
Key Details of Assembly Bill 664
- Program Expansion: The bill proposes that Southwestern College offer up to four bachelor’s degrees tailored to meet local workforce demands.
- Workforce Alignment: Programs will be developed based on comprehensive labor market analyses to ensure they address critical job shortages in fields such as business, healthcare, technology, and the arts.
- Regulatory Oversight: The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will oversee the implementation of these programs, ensuring they align with state educational standards and workforce requirements.
- Evaluation Mechanism: The Legislative Analyst’s Office is tasked with assessing the impact of these programs on the region over the next decade, providing data to inform future educational and workforce development strategies.
Context and Background
Chula Vista, the largest city in California without a public university offering bachelor’s degrees, faces significant challenges in providing higher education opportunities to its residents. The absence of such programs has led to a “college desert” in the region, prompting local leaders to seek solutions that enhance educational accessibility and economic mobility.
Labor market projections indicate a pressing need for over 25,000 new jobs in South San Diego County by 2033, with the majority requiring bachelor’s degrees. By offering these degrees locally, Assembly Bill 664 aims to equip residents with the necessary qualifications to fill these roles, thereby strengthening the regional economy and reducing the outflow of talent to other areas.
Assemblymember Alvarez has been instrumental in advocating for educational reforms in the region. His efforts include securing state funding for collaborative public health degree programs with UC San Diego and Southwestern College, as well as leading initiatives to establish a public university and innovation district in Chula Vista. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to enhancing higher education access and aligning academic programs with regional workforce needs.
The California State Assembly’s Higher Education Committee is scheduled to review Assembly Bill 664 in a hearing on Tuesday, January 13. Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to participate in the legislative process to support the advancement of this critical educational initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Assembly Bill 664?
Assembly Bill 664 is a legislative proposal reintroduced by Assemblymember David Alvarez, aiming to allow Southwestern College in Chula Vista to offer up to four bachelor’s degrees aligned with regional workforce needs. This initiative seeks to address the educational gap in South San Diego County, where nearly 600,000 residents currently lack access to public universities offering bachelor’s programs.
Why is this bill important?
The bill is crucial because it aims to provide local access to bachelor’s degree programs in Chula Vista, a city currently without a public university offering such degrees. By offering these programs locally, the bill seeks to equip residents with the necessary qualifications to fill over 25,000 new jobs projected in South San Diego County by 2033, the majority of which require bachelor’s degrees. This initiative aims to strengthen the regional economy and reduce the outflow of talent to other areas.
What fields will the proposed bachelor’s degrees cover?
The proposed bachelor’s degrees will be developed based on comprehensive labor market analyses to address critical job shortages in fields such as business, healthcare, technology, and the arts. This approach ensures that the programs align with regional workforce demands and provide students with relevant skills for in-demand occupations.
How will the implementation of these programs be overseen?
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will oversee the implementation of these programs, ensuring they align with state educational standards and workforce requirements. Additionally, the Legislative Analyst’s Office is tasked with assessing the impact of these programs on the region over the next decade, providing data to inform future educational and workforce development strategies.
When is the next legislative review of Assembly Bill 664?
The California State Assembly’s Higher Education Committee is scheduled to review Assembly Bill 664 in a hearing on Tuesday, January 13. Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to participate in the legislative process to support the advancement of this critical educational initiative.
Key Features of Assembly Bill 664
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Expansion | The bill proposes that Southwestern College offer up to four bachelor’s degrees tailored to meet local workforce demands. |
| Workforce Alignment | Programs will be developed based on comprehensive labor market analyses to ensure they address critical job shortages in fields such as business, healthcare, technology, and the arts. |
| Regulatory Oversight | The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will oversee the implementation of these programs, ensuring they align with state educational standards and workforce requirements. |
| Evaluation Mechanism | The Legislative Analyst’s Office is tasked with assessing the impact of these programs on the region over the next decade, providing data to inform future educational and workforce development strategies. |
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