Opinion

Your Pathway to High-wage Careers Begins at College of Alameda

Published

9 years ago

August 23, 2017

Oakland Post

Student in Automotive Technician Program at College of Alameda. Photo courtesy of COA.

By Tim Karas, College of Alameda President

Community colleges are a workforce engine providing opportunities for people to learn new skills, to re-train, to earn professional licenses and industry driven certificates and degrees. College of Alameda provides high quality Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. CTE is an integral part of the community college mission.

College of Alameda provides affordable means to well-paying jobs. Courses cost $46 per unit. Numerous Financial Aid options are available to help cover the cost of college expenses and dedicated Financial Aid staff are available to assist students. Private vocational schools like those that you may have seen advertised on television offer CTE programs as well, but typically at a much higher cost. Some of these schools may charge tens of thousands of dollars in tuition.

California took a bold step in 2016 to create one million more “middle-skill” workers. At the recommendation of the California Community College Board of Governors, the Governor and Legislature approved the Strong Workforce Program, adding an investment of $200 million to spur Career Technical Education (CTE) in the nation’s largest workforce development system comprised of 114 community colleges.

In July 2017, College of Alameda earned Strong Workforce Stars’ recognition in the Advanced Transportation & Renewables sector for its Auto Body and Paint program. Students completing the Program saw their annual earnings increase by 68%.

Auto Body and Paint faculty member Bill Andrews describes the success of the Program: “We have been teaching these skills since 1970 at this College; so many people have heard of the Program from others. I have always felt we deliver a solid learning environment for our Program and focus on training students to develop the skills they need for employment in this industry. They leave the Program with the skills needed to make a living.”

Andrews noted that few places teach automotive restoration courses and Alameda is in the heart of the Bay Area. “We attract students from all over the Bay Area. I would have to say the reason that this course has much success is due to the love of the automobile! And how important it is to us. As many students, and myself, I look at cars, trucks, motorcycles as rolling art. Many owners of these vehicles want to make it their own style, want to make their car show some of their personality through customizing body panels, painting, or performance upgrades. When students learn skills on how to do this to their cars, they find out how much enjoyment and pride it brings to them.”

College of Alameda earned a second Strong Workforce Stars’ recognition in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital Media sector for its Computer Information Systems program, inclusive of Desktop Support Technician and Web Publishing options.

Professor Antonio Villegas attributes the success of the Web Publishing Program to its mature student population, the majority of whom are over the age of 25. Many of these students also are working students, seeking to revamp their professional skills and to gain proficiency in online publishing. Thus, these students join Alameda’s program as directed, focused, and motivated learners. Villegas asserts that Program success is also due to the way the classes are scheduled. Web Publishing classes are generally delivered in online or hybrid mediums and are only half a semester long, which makes them short-term and content-intense.

This article highlights only two of the excellent programs offered at College of Alameda. Additionally, College of Alameda’s CTE portfolio includes: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Aviation Technician, Automotive Technician, Auto Body & Paint, Diesel Mechanic, Dental Assistant, Business and Accounting, and Computer Information Systems. Many more Career Pathways are offered at the other Peralta Colleges (Berkeley City, Merritt, and Laney). Information about these programs can be found on our website: alameda.peralta.edu.

Fall classes kicked off August 21 but opportunities are still available for students to enroll.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  