On Jan. 26, Assembly Bill (AB) 664 was approved to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on May 29. If enacted, the bill would authorize Southwestern Community College (SWC) to offer four work-force aligned baccalaureate programs. The four degrees would offer education in Allied Health Leadership and Education, Forensic Studies, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Interaction Design.
BVH provides many of SWC’s first-year students as the two institutions remain across the street from one another. In fact, a poll conducted for the Crusader’s 2025 senior issue reported that out of 196 seniors who responded, 60 claimed that they would be attending Southwestern. If this bill were to be approved, BVH students would be given the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s in one of the four degrees at a community college rather than a separate university. Zaneta Salde Encarnacion, EdD, the Chief of Staff at Southwestern College and a member of the governing board for AB 664 recognized its benefits if the bill was to be approved.
“If AB 664 were implemented by the end of this session, these bachelor degree programs could be offered as early as fall of 2027. These four programs respond to research-identified workforce needs in the San Diego County region. High school graduates interested in these programs could complete their degrees at a much more affordable cost while knowing they would lead to living wage jobs,” Encarnacion said.
The bill has been publicly opposed by Governor Gavin Newsom and many public and private universities, including University of California (UC) schools. Newsom has opposed three other similar bills as adding more community college baccalaureate programs, claiming they go outside an agreed-upon process in a law that he and lawmakers approved in 2021. This has barred the progression of AB 664, which is set for a Second Committee Review and a Second Chamber before it is enacted.
According to a KPBS report, like Newsom, Eloy Ortiz Oakley–the former chancellor of the state’s community college systems–disagrees with AB 664’s approach, stating, “I have, from the beginning, been opposed to community colleges offering baccalaureate degrees. It is a mistake.” Oakley believes that the better solution is to send professors from Cal State campuses to community colleges that want bachelor’s degrees, like SWC. Oakley prefers this solution, as bachelor programs mean hiring additional full time faculty and administrators–something that is difficult as the state government is experiencing multi-billion dollar deficits.
California Assemblymember David Alvarez, the author of the bill, believes that AB 664 would provide numerous opportunities for students and adults who seek a bachelor degree but cannot afford one at a public university or live too far away. Similar challenges are faced by a large population in San Diego, as every year 23,000 students are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged.
As a member in San Diego, Alvarez stated, “I am surprised, really, that there is so much indignation at the fact that we want to provide easier access to higher education for students when there are plenty of students and plenty of need.”
Alvarez fully believes in the bill and the opportunities it may provide. In regards to high school students, they would be able to enter a community college and receive a bachelor’s program without the expense and worry of a 4-year university. BVH AVID teacher Jessica Vargas believes the bill would prove beneficial for multiple students and open a career pathway for them in the future.
“Students who are first generation may not understand all the boxes that need to be checked or how challenging it is to apply to college. Once you chop down a forest, a path is created for others to follow,” Vargas said. “What community colleges do is allow for the transition when you are locally based and administer support. Going to college is not intelligence-based. A lot of it is based on privilege, background and your school. It is about the people who do not have the resources and support to attend a four year university.”
In addition to the development of AB 664, SWC has been finalizing other programs and opportunities that may offer alternative degrees. These programs will be available in the near future, giving BVH students the chance to consider other options.
“SWC recently was approved to offer its first bachelor’s degree in Transborder Environment Design, which is an architect degree that focuses on architect and design in our binational region. Faculty are finalizing the curriculum and the college will announce when that program will be open for enrollment soon,” Encarnacion said.
In hopes that the bill will be approved and enacted, many members of the community like Alvarez and Vargas encourage students to consider the bachelor programs offered by SWC. Not only will this be less expensive, but this will also create a new gateway by providing learners options.
“I want everyone to go to a four year college. I have talked to my previous students who go to SWC and encourage them not to be the thirteen to fifteen percent that do not transfer. Either way, community college is a great opportunity and offers a [sense of] pride If you are going to give back to the community you are going to help others, and having gone to high school, community college and gotten your bachelor’s degree all in Chula Vista makes people proud,” Vargas said.
