With state funding in dire straits, Las Positas College (LPC) in California is looking more toward private donations—specifically, sponsorships of courses.
Last week, LPC announced its new fund-raising program Foundation 55, which aims to seek donations to help restore class sections eliminated because of severe state funding cuts.
“For just $5,500, supporters can invest in the future of as many as 40 Las Positas College students for an entire semester,” LPC said in a news release.
Some community colleges are prioritizing enrollment
College officials noted that cutbacks to essential classes are already having significant effects on students getting the courses they need to attain a credential or to transfer to a baccalaureate institution. LPC has had to cut about 150 course sections over the last three years. As a result, the overall student headcount has dropped from approximately 10,000 three years ago to 8,500 today.
The foundation board of directors and college faculty have agreed to work to restore 10-15 sections per semester, according to Ted Kaye, executive director of the LPC Foundation.
All the restored sections are core classes—such as introductory English, math and speech classes—that will help students complete graduation requirements.
Kickstarting the campaign
As part of the Foundation 55 Program announcement, the foundation has committed $16,500 to fund three class sections. Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty will underwrite restoration of two class sections for $11,000. Other support has come from renting college facilities to outside users.
“Our fall semester starts Monday, so we were able to get five sections up virtually overnight this go around,” Kaye said.
The college’s experience with other programs suggests that LPC will have about a 60/40 mix of funding, with 60 percent coming from businesses and 40 percent from individuals, Kaye noted.
“Our college is located is a nicely economically mixed area,” he said. “As result, we have access to generous individuals who support the college, as well as corporations and smaller businesses.”