Help Out Elf Louise

Here are some photos of members of PAC’s woman’s basketball team that volunteered to wrap presents for the Elf Louise project at South Park Mall yesterday afternoon. Their hard work and dedication went a long way in presenting the basketball program and Palo Alto College in a very positive light.

Alamo Colleges See Enrollment Rise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 24, 2009

CONTACT: KAY HENDRICKS

COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATION

(210) 485-0049 or 485-0035

ALAMO COLLEGES ENROLLMENT CONTINUES UPSWING

For the third semester in a row, the Alamo Colleges’ enrollment has increased substantially, with double digit percentage increases for both summer semesters. For the most recent Summer II session, enrollment increased by 13.9% over Summer II 2008. In the preceding Summer I semester, enrollment increased by 13.8% over Summer I 2008. This follows a record enrollment for the spring semester of 53,236 students, an increase of 7.5% over spring 2008 and a record number for spring!

Enrollment for Summer I 2009 was 20,837 students, an increase of 2,534. For Summer II, 8,392 students enrolled, an increase of 1,021 students.

“This substantial increase in our summer enrollment makes it clear that our community sees the value of a college education in weathering an uncertain economy,” said Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Bruce H. Leslie. “Many of our students enroll in summer classes to get a head start on the fall semester, and many of our summer students will return to a four-year university in the fall and are taking advantage of the opportunity to earn credits they need at our colleges this summer,” he added.

At the Alamo Colleges, high quality education and low costs provide exceptional value to students and alumni who are major contributors to the economy and culture of our community. For more information, visit our website at alamo.edu.

Alamo Colleges to Participate in NAM Grant

Alamo Colleges Selected to Share in National Manufacturing Certification Program Grant

The Alamo Colleges have been selected to participate in a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) grant for implementing industry-driven advanced manufacturing certification programs. One college in each of three other states was also selected to take part in the national pilot of the $1.5 million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

As a result of the NAM/Gates grant Alamo Colleges will be eligible for pilot funds to adopt Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), National Institute for Metalworker Skills (NIMS) and American College Testing Program (ACT) job readiness certification modules.

The NAM-Endorsed National Skills Certification System initially focuses on the core, basic skills required for entry-level workers in all sectors of manufacturing, from alternative energy and computers to aerospace and life-saving pharmaceuticals. These integrated educational programs in community colleges will prepare students, particularly low-income young adults and transitioning workers, with entry-level skills necessary to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers. The skills certifications address personal and academic skills, general workplace skills and manufacturing industry-wide technical skills. Entry-level science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are included in the system.
The grant monies will have a direct impact on two academies operated by the Alamo Colleges, which provide education, experience and job opportunities for high school students looking to jump-start their future. The academies provide two-year training and internship programs that introduce qualified students to career opportunities in key industries while providing a seamless transition from high school to college to the workplace. They are the Alamo Area Aerospace Academy and the Manufacturing Technology Academy.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected to participate in this pilot grant program,” said Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Bruce H. Leslie. “The San Antonio Manufacturers Association (SAMA) and the advanced manufacturing industry are playing a very significant role in helping us to improve our training programs and to recruit students for our academies. Because of this pilot program, and our strong partnerships with manufacturing and industry, we are well on our way to offering validated ‘world class’ certification training systems.”



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Manufacturing a leading contributor to regional economy

John M. Dewey, a member of the SAMA Board of Directors and Vice President for Operations at Instruments Technology Machinery (ITM), said: "The San Antonio Manufacturers Association is pleased to have our community selected as one of the national recipients of this program. Manufacturing is a major contributor to our regional economy, second only to the bio-medical industry with regard to economic impact. SAMA applauds the joint efforts by the SAMA Workforce Development Corporation, NAM, the Alamo Colleges and the Gates Foundation for this proactive initiative to provide qualified, skilled manufacturing employees to benefit both our community and our Industry."


Garry Cardwell, chair of the Board of Directors of the SAMA Workforce Development Corporation said: "We are extremely excited that the San Antonio region will be an early adopter of the NAM skill based certification program. It's just what our young people need to be able to enter into higher paying manufacturing jobs, and it will give our manufacturers greater confidence that these new hires will bring the necessary technical skills and workplace behaviors from day one on the job. It's a win-win for sustained economic development in the area."
Alamo Colleges is currently in discussion with NAM on the amount that will be allocated. The four colleges selected nationally will share proportionally based on the $1.5 million the Gates Foundation donated to the National Association of Manufacturers.

Swine Flu Health Notice

The following message is sent by Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor, Alamo Colleges:

Alamo Colleges Family:

Over the past few days, there has been much news related to the presence of Swine Flu in our service area. The Alamo Colleges have not taken any action related to changes in our normal operating schedule, but we are in close communication with our local health agencies and will keep you informed should anything change. Any updates will be posted on the website and distributed via system-wide emails.

Information on the swine flu, including key facts and what you can do to stay healthy, can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

Another good resource is the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). In a news release dated April 25th, they advise residents of San Antonio and Bexar County to take normal precautions to prevent any further spread of this virus. These include consistent hand washing http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/handstogether/ with soap and warm water, coughing or sneezing http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm into tissue instead of your hands, and staying at home if you or your children are ill with flu-like symptoms. For additional information, call the SAMHD hotline at (888) 777-5320 or visit the website at http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/SwineFlu.html.

The Texas Department of State Health Services website (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us ) also includes updates and a section on personal and family preparedness. Just click on Swine Flu under Top Stories.

Again, any updates will be posted on our website and sent via email. The bottom line is, stay informed, be sensible and take care of yourself.

Bruce Leslie
Chancellor