The California Community Colleges, the California Department of Aging, and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency have launched a new statewide effort to support adult learners. 

This collaboration ensures older adults have access to higher education, job training and opportunities to build new skills.

The agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding that provides guidelines on how to work together with regional partners to establish career pathways for older adults. 

Whether going back to work or starting a new career, learners will have access to education and hands-on job training that opens new doors and builds a stronger workforce. 

Through this partnership, agencies are also expanding opportunities for caregivers by connecting them to health care career pathways and creating more job opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities, a key priority within the California Community College’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

“This partnership marks an important step in Vision 2030 to expand access to career-ready education for learners at every stage of life,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “By recognizing the value of lived experience and building on existing skills, we’re creating new opportunities for adult learners to succeed academically and thrive in today’s workforce. Together, we’re opening pathways to advancement while supporting a stronger, more resilient economy for our entire state."

Many older adults are looking for ways to stay engaged or find meaningful work. Because of this new collaboration, community colleges across the state will connect adult students with career technical education, job training, and support services, helping them stay competitive. 

Guided by California’s Master Plan for Aging, today’s initiative supports the development of inclusive communities where older adults are valued, engaged, and have access to opportunities to work, volunteer, and thrive.

“California’s older adults are a powerful, untapped resource, bringing wisdom, resilience and a lifetime of experience to today’s dynamic economy. At the California Department of Aging, we’re reimagining what it means to age in this state by championing bold, inclusive pathways that empower older adults to keep learning, earning, working and shaping the future of their communities,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging.

California community colleges focus on career education and entrepreneurial development programs. With the support of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, these programs will be elevated, allowing both agencies to work together to better serve adult learners across the state.

“We are proud to be part of this effort, and by working together, we will ensure older adults develop new skills, while keeping California’s workforce strong and inclusive,” said Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Stewart Knox.

This collaboration between state agencies is a key step in ensuring that California’s aging population has access to academic opportunities and resources to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It also supports expanding the caregiving workforce, which is a critical need as it’s estimated that California will experience a shortage of up to 3.2 million caregivers by 2030.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year.