Pacific Oaks College (PO) and the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) are pleased to announce a new educational partnership to support CHCC’s mission of “advocacy, empowerment, and education for California’s Hispanic businesses.” Through this collaboration, PO continues its mission to provide high-quality, relevant, and culturally responsive education to a broad community of learners, particularly at a time when innovation and flexibility are needed in a business landscape greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first of its kind for PO and CHCC, the partnership is far reaching as CHCC currently represents more than 90 active local chambers and affiliates and more than 800,000 small businesses across California.
“We are proud to partner with Pacific Oaks College,” said Julian Canete, President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “The CHCC believes in educational pathways to set the foundation for a stronger economy and future workforce where everyone in California can thrive.”
CHCC staff, members, affiliates, and their families can utilize a partnership tuition rate inclusive of a 25% scholarship at PO, saving on the overall cost of a degree or certificate. As a pioneer in adult education, PO understands that running a business while going back to school requires planning, investment, commitment, and sacrifice. The advent of COVID-19 has brought to light the need for small business owners and employees to learn additional skills. With on campus and online-based bachelor’s and master’s programs such as business administration and organizational leadership and management, CHCC members can continue their education on a flexible schedule while enhancing current and relevant skills that will help them succeed in a changing and uncertain environment. PO courses are taught by faculty with academic and business expertise as well as practical, real-life field experience.
“We are honored to partner with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. As a Hispanic-serving institution, Pacific Oaks is committed to fostering education for Hispanic business owners and other business owners of color,” said Dr. Jack Paduntin, president of Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School. “The pandemic has shown us the resiliency of our diverse communities, but these times have also taken a toll. PO’s core values include a commitment to inclusion and diversity. Our goal is to offer transformative and nimble educational tools for our CHCC member partners, thereby enhancing the foundation of our communities. The voices of Hispanic-owned businesses are integral to the fabric of California.”
Dr. Judy Castro, who serves as a board member for the CHCC Foundation and is the associate vice president of partnership development and project director for the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institution Title V federal grant at PO, adds “Education is the key to any success. The impact of COVID-19 has been devasting to our small businesses. There is importance and value to higher education. We cannot be dormant. We must be innovative, and our workforce skill set must change. Both CHCC and PO value the power of community. This educational partnership has the potential to impact Hispanic-owned small businesses across the state.”
