In lieu of having each of the region’s ten community colleges independently convene stakeholders, the San Diego and Imperial COE coordinated a regional approach through community forums. This collective effort forms the foundation of the Comprehensive Regional Needs Assessment (CRNA)—a report the COE develops to help colleges meet Perkins V requirements while reducing duplication and strengthening regional alignment.

The forums serve a second, equally important purpose: fulfilling the expanded consultation requirement of the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century (Perkins V) legislation. Under Perkins V, every community college must consult with regional stakeholders—including employers, community partners, and members of special populations—to inform its Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). These forums allow an opportunity to gather regional stakeholders to provide feedback on the labor market information as well as the programs that the colleges provided.

Through this approach, the COE gathered direct input from attendees who identify, serve, or have friends and family who belong to one or more special population groups, including individuals facing economic, social, or structural barriers to education and workforce participation.

Data Meets Real-World Experience

During each forum, the COE shared data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and California Employment Development Department, explaining that these datasets capture a moment in time—often reflecting conditions from a year or more prior. Participants were asked to share how these data points align with what they are seeing today in their communities, helping bridge the gap between lagged data and current lived experiences.

Attendees then joined breakout discussions reflecting on the workforce data as well as providing feedback to support learners and assess program needs.

Turning Insight into Action

Feedback from the forums will directly inform the CRNA, which colleges can use to meet their CLNA consultation requirement. In addition, the results will help the COE identify new research priorities and professional development opportunities to support the region’s colleges moving forward.

By combining quantitative data with community-driven insights, the COE’s regional forums ensure that the voices of employers, educators, and residents are central to shaping the future of Career Education across San Diego and Imperial Counties.