In a significant milestone for both institutions, the Cabrillo College and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), have successfully obtained state funding for their collaborative affordable housing project. Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent approval of a budget bill marked the first-ever partnership between the University of California system and California Community Colleges, paving the way for transformative joint initiatives.
Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein expressed enthusiasm for the groundbreaking endeavor, highlighting the advantages of proximity between community colleges and universities. He emphasized the practicality of shared housing facilities, particularly when community college students aspire to transfer to neighboring UC or CSU campuses. Wetstein noted that this collaboration would benefit students seeking a seamless transition to UCSC.
The project entails the construction of a multistory student residential building on the soccer field of Cabrillo College. With a total of 624 beds, the facility will allocate 376 beds for Cabrillo students and 248 beds for UCSC students. Notably, Cabrillo students residing on-campus and subsequently transferring to UCSC will have the opportunity to continue living in the joint housing throughout their undergraduate studies. This long-term housing solution will greatly alleviate the housing challenges faced by students.
The estimated cost of the project is $181 million, with $111 million being provided by the state through a bond program dedicated to such initiatives. Wetstein expressed his satisfaction with this funding arrangement, characterizing it as a “no-cost win” for Cabrillo College and its residence hall. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for September 2024, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2026.
Scott Hernandez-Jason, a spokesperson for UCSC, acknowledged the significance of the joint housing project and its impact on enrollment management. With an acute awareness of the housing difficulties faced by students and employees, UCSC has been actively addressing this issue. Hernandez-Jason emphasized that the Cabrillo collaboration is just one facet of a broader effort to tackle housing challenges comprehensively.
According to UCSC, the university has welcomed 5,500 new students this fall quarter and provided on-campus housing for over 9,200 students. As these housing initiatives progress, the institutions continue to prioritize effective enrollment management and the overall well-being of their communities.
