Growing Our Regional Industry Through Higher Education.
At the Santa Cruz Center, we understand the significant role higher education plays in bolstering our regional economy and supporting industry needs. It is our aim to strengthen our economy by creating qualified workers to meet the needs of local industry and helping to fill job openings.
Keeping Pace With Changing Talent Skills.
Strengthening our economy means keeping up with how job markets and required talent skills are rapidly evolving in our county and beyond. The Santa Cruz Center and its partners are responding to these shifts by offering programs that go beyond traditional learning, aiming to prepare students for dynamic careers and specialized roles.
As industries redefine their expectations, higher education institutions, the Santa Cruz Center is shifting gears too. We are creating flexible programs, developing new degrees tailored to emerging fields, and emphasizing hands-on experiences. These adaptations in higher education are giving students a stronger foundation for career success and the emerging needs of business.
Working With Local Industry To Power A Bright Future.
From tourism to healthcare to agriculture, trade and manufacturing, industries in our county are eager to build more awareness and support to fuel local job creation and greater economic success. As Santa Cruz County’s higher education center, we are working with companies to build the workforce of the future.
Industry Driven.
We understand the crucial role we play in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. To ensure that graduates have the skills employers are seeking, the Santa Cruz Center is partnering with local industries to empower the workforce for Santa Cruz County.
Applied Learning.
Coursework at the Santa Cruz Center includes both theory and hands-on training to ensure that students develop the abilities necessary to excel in their chosen careers as well as support local industry. We are building relationships with businesses that engage students in direct application of skills required to support our local economy.
Soft Skills.
We understand that companies in our region have a need to invest and train staff in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability, critical thinking, time management, leadership, creativity, and emotional intelligence. These skills are essential for driving innovation and business growth through project management and client relationships.
Up-Skilling.
Often upskilling our talent is concurrent with higher education or post education through on-the-job training. At the Santa Cruz Center we work with industry to help employees successfully communicate with customers, design and implement marketing programs, operate equipment and tools and utilize digital skills for software and hardware applications.
Partner With The Santa Cruz Center.
The input of companies in the region helps the Santa Cruz Center better understand business challenges and aspirations so that we can expand our educational offerings to meet industry needs.