COE News

Date Published

Celebrating San Diego/Imperial Region’s Achievements and Impact

National Recognition for Research

Recently, the COE joined researchers from across the country who care deeply about connecting education, workforce and economic development at the C2ER + LMI Institute 65th Annual Conference in Sacramento.

SDI team accepting 2025 Economic and Workforce Development Research AwardAt the event, the COE team were honored with the prestigious 2025 Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) Research Award for Access to Opportunity and Collaboration for the report: “Building Apprenticeship Capacity in San Diego & Imperial Counties.” The report explores why apprenticeship growth in the region has stalled and outlines actionable steps to expand these critical opportunities. Among its key findings:

  • More than 260 high-wage, high-demand occupations in the region could be supported through registered apprenticeship programs.
  • Only 1 in 10 community colleges in the region has a dedicated position to develop and manage these programs–highlighting a major barrier to expanding apprenticeship opportunities.

Also at the conference, COE’s Robert Chu took the stage, sharing findings from the report: “Opportunities for Adult Education to Close Entry-Level Job Gaps in San Diego County.” The report highlights how adult education programs can evolve to meet labor market needs by expanding training where it’s needed most.

2025 EDI Champion Award

Dr. Tina Ngo Bartel smiles while pointing to a display board with her photo and bio.The RP Group awarded COE Executive Director Tina Ngo Bartel as a 2025 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Champion. This inaugural recognition honors leaders driving transformative change across the California Community Colleges.

As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, the RP Group supports the success of community college students through research, evaluation, and professional development. Their EDI Champion Awards spotlight individuals making a meaningful impact in student access, completion, and workforce outcomes, especially for historically underserved communities.

Read more about the 2025 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Champion Award here.

Faculty Professional Development

Special thanks for COE’s Tasi Rodriguez and Robert Chu for wrapping up the third year of our region’s Strong Workforce Faculty Institute at San Diego Mesa College, with more than 130 people in attendance.

Since its launch, the Strong Workforce Faculty Institute has empowered more than 550 faculty members–across CTE and other disciplines–to examine course data, reflect on teaching practices, and develop data-informed action plans to improve student retention and success. The impact extends beyond the classroom, reaching more than 165,000 community college students who are learning, thriving, and contributing to their communities. See event photos here.

2025 Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence

In May, Tina was named one of the San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence, recognizing her leadership in education and workforce development. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, Tina’s personal journey fuels her commitment to increasing access to education and meaningful careers across California. Through groundbreaking research, regional collaboration, and training initiatives, her work continues to drive us toward a more inclusive and thriving economy. Read more about the 2025 Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence Award here.