Recently, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District was honored with a Partnership of the Decade Award from the East County Economic Development Council at their 40elAnniversary Gala.
The event celebrated the accomplishments of the East County EDC, as well as their valued partners. The East County EDC recognized the most impactful partnerships over the past decade, and honored organizations that have played a crucial role in driving economic development in East County.
“Our partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has been vital in bridging education and industry, and helping to create meaningful opportunities for students and businesses alike,” stated James Sly, East County EDC President and CEO.
Together, the East County EDC and the District have partnered on programs such as Career Technical Education and Workforce Development, the Small Business Development Center, multiple grants to support career pathways for students, and the annual Manufacturing Expo.
“As I think about what makes this partnership so important, it is that we are united by a shared vision to support growth and prosperity in East County,” said Chancellor Lynn Ceresino Neault. “Everyone who represents East County companies, organizations, and community groups, has partnered with us and supported our students through internships, mentorships, scholarships, and employment.”
In addition to the Partnership of the Decade Award, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Chancellor Lynn Neault, and Grossmont College President Denise Whisenhunt, were both honored with 2024 Women in Leadership Awards by the East County Chamber of Commerce.
The Women in Leadership Award honors women who demonstrate exemplary character, integrity, and leadership. The Chamber has been representing East County businesses for over 100 years, and the District partners with the Chamber on advocacy, promotion of workforce initiatives, and community outreach.
Neault has more than 40 years of experience as a community college educator, and has supported higher education at the local, state and national level. She works closely with leaders in the region and the state to improve access for first-generation, underserved, adult and veteran students. She has collaborated to create and maintain high-quality educational programs, grow enrollment, increase transfer rates, and create pathways to high-demand careers. Additionally, she has a track record of excellent fiscal oversight and responsibility, which includes twice earning perfect grades of A+ from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association for bond transparency.
Whisenhunt has more than 22 years of leadership experience in higher education. She oversees initiatives to support students and the community, to include innovative class offerings. She has dedicated much of her professional career to serving underserved and underprepared populations, with a focus on increasing access and opportunities through equity-based practices. She is a collaborative leader who works with faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students to serve San Diego’s East County community.
El Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, which offer hundreds of degree and certificate programs, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Advanced/Basic Certificates. GCCCD is the largest provider of higher education and job training in East County, and is a top transfer pathway to San Diego State University.
