Public postsecondary education: community college districts: baccalaureate degree cybersecurity pilot program.
The introduction of AB 405 represents a significant shift in California's higher education landscape, particularly for community colleges that traditionally offer only associate degrees. By allowing these institutions to confer baccalaureate degrees, the bill aims to bridge the educational gap in cybersecurity, addressing a pressing workforce shortage in this critical field. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to increase access to higher education for students, including local residents and veterans who may struggle to attend four-year universities.
Assembly Bill No. 405, introduced by Assembly Member Irwin, establishes a pilot program allowing California's community colleges to grant baccalaureate degrees in cybersecurity. This program is a response to the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in the state's economy. The bill enables the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to authorize up to ten community college districts to implement these degree programs, provided they meet specific criteria and demonstrate compliance with educational standards set by Californian higher education institutions.
Despite its aims, AB 405 has sparked some debate among legislators and educational stakeholders. Proponents argue that this program will enhance workforce readiness and meet the growing needs of the cybersecurity sector. However, opponents express concerns regarding funding, potential overreach into the missions of state universities, and the implications for existing community college programs. These discussions are crucial as the program may require considerable resources to ensure quality and effectiveness.
The bill mandates evaluations at both interim and final stages of the pilot program, assessing its performance and impact on student outcomes, workforce needs, and overall program effectiveness. These evaluations will provide data on enrollment and graduation rates, student debt levels, and job placements for graduates, contributing to an evidence-based discussion on the future of such baccalaureate programs in California's community colleges. Overall, AB 405 represents an important legislative effort to adapt California's higher education framework to modern workforce demands.