San José, CA – May 23, 2012 – The San José/Evergreen Community College District Foundation (SJECCDF) announced today that the first annual ‘Bridge to the Future’ benefit luncheon will be held on Thursday, August 16 at the Corinthian Ballroom at the San Jose Athletic Club.
Key Note Speakers will include Carl Guardino, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and Dr. Rita Cepeda, Chancellor of the San José/Evergreen Community College District. The luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m.
“This thought provoking event will demonstrate the tangible and achievable ways in which the public can link arms with the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District” said Autumn Young, SJECC District Foundation Board Chair. “This premiere signature event will “build the bridges” from student success to the economic vitality of Silicon Valley.”
Keynote speaker Guardino has written, “in California, job one is jobs. We need an education system that prepares our young people for Innovation Economy jobs. Yes, our unemployment rate hovers around 11 percent, but if you have a college degree in ANY subject, the unemployment rate is four percent; and with an engineering degree, one percent. A great education for potential workers is key.”
Keynote speaker Cepeda states, “in a time when post-secondary education is becoming a necessity, the ability of colleges is to serve their communities effectively is being compromised.”
“Public / private partnerships have become very popular in this new world economy,” said Carol Coen, Vice Chancellor, Workforce, Economic, Resource Development, “and it is imperative that we change our thinking about education and our educational institutions, in order to provide a skilled workforce for Silicon Valley.”
“Our goal is to have the entire cost of this event underwritten so that all proceeds go directly to student scholarships and support programs ," added Heather Saito, Director of the SJECC District Foundation.
All proceeds from this ‘Bridge to the Future’ event will benefit San Jose/Evergreen Community College District students who attend Evergreen Valley and San Jose City Community Colleges.
Corporate, business and individual event sponsorships are available at the Platinum $10,000 level, the Gold $5,000 level, or the Silver $2,500 level. Tables for ten are $1,500. Individual tickets are available at $100 each by visiting
http://foundation.sjeccd.edu/bridgetothefuture/
The Corinthian Grand Ballroom is located on the upper level of the San Jose Athletic Club, located at 196 North Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112, at East St. James Street.
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About the San José/Evergreen Community College Foundation:
The purpose of the Foundation, which is an auxiliary organization of the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District is to advance the educational programs of the [SJECCD] in every way authorized including, without limitation, by cultivating partnerships, generating resources, supporting opportunities for growth and student success, and receiving gifts, property and funds for the benefit of the District.
Through scholarships, program innovation and development funds, faculty development funds and our Chancellor’s Circle, the San Jose Evergreen Community College District Foundation helps community members and donors impact the future of over 64,000 community college students.
