The Office of Instruction is evaluating the future of the Clean Energy Technology program and would appreciate your feedback. Based on the status report that was emailed to all college staff on Jan. 15, the Office of Instruction may recommend that Shoreline Community College close the Clean Energy Technology program. This recommendation is based on two primary factors: declining enrollment and a lack of employment opportunities that specifically require the degrees offered.

Declining Enrollment

The report indicates a significant decline in enrollment since 2016. Pre-pandemic enrollment was approximately three times higher than current rates, and the downward trend has been steady. As of Fall 2024,

• Clean Energy Technology & Entrepreneurship AAAS: 7 current students
• Clean Energy Technology & Entrepreneurship Certificate of Proficiency: 4 current students
• Amazon Career Choice Clean Energy Technology Certificate of Completion: No current students (pending approval)

Concern of program sustainability: With such few students, it becomes challenging to justify the allocation of resources, including faculty time and budget.

Employment Opportunities

The report highlights two primary job types for graduates: Solar Associate/Solar Sales Representative and Energy Auditor. However, these roles do not necessarily require the specific degrees offered by the programs.

Implications:

• Degree Relevance: Students may not see the value in pursuing these programs, which further contributes to declining enrollment.
• Career Pathways: Students may benefit more from the College’s other programs that align more closely with market demands and provide clear career pathways.

Conclusion

Based on the data and the trend, the Office of Instruction is in favor of recommending the closure of the Clean Energy Technology programs. This decision would allow the College to reallocate resources to more viable programs, ultimately benefiting the institution and its students.

Next Steps

• Stakeholder Consultation: In January 2025, the Office of Instruction will:
  1. present at the 1/22 Faculty Senate Council,
  2. hold a virtual town hall on Tuesday 1/21, 11:30a-12:30p (Zoom ID: 88570458474),
  3. gather feedback with a form at https://forms.office.com/r/7aE6n9gaJw, and
  4. discuss with the advisory board of the program.
• Transition: If the closure is recommended, the Office of Instruction will develop a plan to support current students in completing their programs or transitioning to other relevant programs. The transition plan and the closure proposal will move to the College Council, the Executive Team and the Board of Trustees for approval.
• Implementation: If the Board of Trustees approves the closure, the College will complete the external processes with SBCTC and NWCCU.