The Rancho Santiago Community College District consists of two campuses, Santa Ana College in Santa Ana and Santiago Canyon College in Orange, pictured above. (Courtesy of RSCCD Communications)
An economic impact report published by the RSCCD showed that the Rancho Santiago Community College District in collaboration with its two colleges, Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College, contributed nearly $2 billion in income to the Orange County economy in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
The study showed that RSCCD creates value for businesses, workforce and students in the district.
Individually, SAC and SCC contribute $1.3 billion and $468.2 million, respectively, representing 0.7% of the province’s gross regional product.
The report stated that this economic presence also contributes to the creation of 20,999 job opportunities within the state.
The RSCCD employed 3,112 full- and part-time faculty and staff, amounting to $214.6 million, most of which was spent within the district.
An additional $170.9 million was spent on day-to-day expenses related to facilities, supplies and professional services.
The report showed that former students currently employed in the district’s workforce contribute $1.5 billion in additional income and $127.8 million of income was generated through transfer and retained students.
Chancellor Marvin Martinez and the RSCCD Board of Trustees insist that the services the district contracts have an economic impact locally, said Enrique Perez, vice president of educational services.
“Apart from that, a student also comes in and suddenly goes from not having a job or a low-paying job to having a higher-paying job,” Perez said. “This is obviously an economic impact, because now he can buy a house and make more purchases.”
The report was prepared by Lightcast, a labor market analytics company used by educational institutions around the world to conduct economic impact studies.
“The study results highlight the impact RSCCD and our two campuses have on the Orange County community,” Martinez said. “We are committed to providing a conducive learning environment, and these results underscore our commitment to our students and the local economy.”
Perez said the report is sent to all taxpayers in the district because they are stakeholders in the district.
“They are the ones paying for all this,” the vice chancellor said. “Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. They’re the ones who give students a second and third chance at a career and a life, and frankly, we want to make sure we’re giving them that information so they know the incredible contribution they’re making through their investment.”
Of all the contributions to the county’s economy that the region generates, the most important is job creation, he said.
Taxpayers are generally willing to invest in a community college that aims to educate the community and create jobs. One of the district’s missions is to identify what careers will be in demand in the future and create curricula that will prepare students for those careers, Perez said.
“When we look at the economic impact, we want to make sure that our colleges are very focused on providing education and training to ensure that incoming students move into those high-paying jobs and then back into our community,” Perez said.
The district must also prepare students who plan to apply from a community college to a four-year institution, Perez said.
The 2020-2021 Economic Impact Study was commissioned by the Orange County Regional Federation Board of Directors through the Strong Workforce Program Investments.
The data used in the study were compiled from several sources, including FY 2020-21 academic and financial reports from the RSCCD, and industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.
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The Rancho Santiago Community College District is a powerhouse when it comes to stimulating the local economy, with a recent study showing that it has pumped a staggering $2 billion into the Orange County economy. This significant contribution is a testament to the district’s impact on the community, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth. With its strong presence and commitment to education and workforce development, the Rancho Santiago Community College District is a vital force in fueling prosperity in the region.