West Valley College (WVC) and Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC), a nonprofit service provider and community consultancy that offers a suite of programs for older adults, have announced they’re launching Senior Guided Pathways (SGP), the nation’s first program addressing the intersection of education, aging and job skills training for adults aged 50 and up.
Starting this fall, SGP will offer credit and noncredit course bundles at WVC designed to support older Californians facing barriers such as ageism, a rapidly-changing job market, and the lack of training programs tailored to their needs.
“Community colleges are a vehicle for families to achieve generational stability and functional longevity, and we are proud to be in the first community college district offering targeted programming to cultivate and produce local workforce talent, for all ages,” said Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of WVC, in a release.
“The Day of Action for Senior Guided Pathways helped raise community awareness as we launch this critical resource, free to any individual 50+ in our district service area.”
The courses being offered are informed by community responses and have practical application, based on survey data conducted locally in 2023 and 2024, officials with the initiative said.
Tuition is free for enrolled seniors, and SASCC is providing transportation to and from campus as well as technical support with navigating the online processes at no cost.
Earlier this month, WVC and SASCC hosted the SGP Day of Action to inform and engage the community about the unique opportunities and resources available to them.
Over 30 volunteers assembled at WVC’s Main Campus Center to hear from the program’s architects and then canvas homes in the WVC service area to share information about SGP and enrollment details.
Modeled after successful political campaigns, volunteers were equipped with door hangers, lawn signs, pamphlets, and scripts describing the benefits of the program. Over 400 homes were visited, with 82% of homes where a resident answered expressing interest in learning more.
“By breaking down barriers to access and providing comprehensive career support, Senior Guided Pathways is making it easier for local adults to access community programs, enabling them to secure better jobs and enhance their quality of life,” said Tylor Taylor, CEO of SASCC, in the release. “This vital initiative and partnership with WVC reflects our collective commitment to investing in lifelong learning for both aging adults within our community as well as future generations.”
