How do you prepare a workforce that’s ready on day one? That question took center stage on March 18 in Los Angeles, where the presidents of five Cal State University campuses that serve the greater Los Angeles region joined industry leaders for a dynamic conversation. The presidents discussed how their universities are driving economic growth, strengthening partnerships with business and industry, and shaping career-ready graduates for the region’s future.
The event, hosted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and CSUN, was a panel discussion with the heads of Cal State Northridge, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal Poly Pomona. Collectively, the schools are known as the “CSU5” whose presidents collaborate on effective ways to serve the needs of the region as a whole. CSUN President Erika D. Beck currently chairs the CSU5, and told attendees that, together, the five Cal State Universities in the Greater Los Angeles region have 1.3 million alumni members.
“Let me put that into perspective for you: In Los Angeles, if you look at the 20 private universities, including USC, and you add UCLA into that mix, and you put it up against the five right here, we are 50% of the graduates in this region,” she said. “We are L.A.’s talent infrastructure.”
Beck also noted that the universities generate $10 billion in industry activity, and support nearly 75,000 jobs, serving as a considerable economic engine for the region.
During the panel discussion, presidents from each of the universities highlighted key resources and programs, including specific academic focus areas on each campus, and how they have partnered with private industries to help train the future workforce. Beck spoke about the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (ATEC) that opened on campus last fall. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with high-tech labs designed to leverage research in design, manufacturing, emerging technologies, smart materials and artificial intelligence.
“Students have embraced ATEC as a place where they can design, make, break, and repair anything,” Beck said. “They’re doing it alongside AI, and they’re doing it both alongside Autodesk, which has invested heavily in the university. Apple is a major partner, with more than $30 million engaged in our students.”
The CSU presidents encouraged attendees, who included representatives from health care, aerospace and local government, to partner with them on research and internship opportunities for students. Beck noted that such partnerships provide valuable experiences for students and businesses.
“It’s those kinds of regional community-based learning opportunities that benefit the broader community and enable our students to understand our communities better, so they are ready to contribute on day one,” she said.
You can see more from the event on CSUN’s YouTube channel.
