Local Voters Strongly Value Affordable Higher Education Provided by Our Coast Colleges
For Immediate Release: January 22, 2026


COSTA MESA, CA - An independent community survey commissioned by the Coast Community College District shows residents highly rate the job performance of Coast Colleges - and support efforts to maintain affordability for local students preparing to transfer to four-year universities and training programs for local first responders.

"We are grateful that the community understands how important our Coast Colleges are and the critical role they play as the only local affordable option for training our area's nurses, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders." said Coast Community College District Chancellor Whitney Yamamura. "Our colleges must be able to provide the local training facilities, classrooms and labs to address the local shortage of nurses and public safety personnel and ensure they are trained on the latest life-saving technology."

Said Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine, "Attending one of our local community colleges is six times cheaper than Cal State Fullerton and 16 times cheaper than UCI. Local students rely on our local community colleges to increase opportunities for local students to earn college credits and certifications and learn job skills at an affordable price."

The community survey also evaluated interest in a potential local education measure to support the District's academic vision with 64% saying they would support a potential measure to address local higher education priorities such as maintaining access to affordable higher education, removing mold, preparing students and veterans for careers, high demand jobs and skilled trades, repairing deteriorating gas and electrical lines and expanding classrooms and labs to prepare students for careers in science, technology and engineering.

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About Coast Community College District
Coast Community College District serves more than 40,000 students annually across its three colleges: Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline College. CCCD is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education that empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals.

CONTACT:
Matt Kern
District Director, Public Affairs and Marketing
(714) 438-4605
mkern3@cccd.edu


Coast District Newsroom