Economic & Community Impact Analysis

2.1 - Supporting the Region’s Education Pathway

A successful regional economy relies on a strong educational pathway providing the region’s residents with opportunities from growth (K-12) to advancement (higher education) and renewal (continuing education), preparing them—and constantly updating their skills—to match the most current needs of the region’s economy. HSU provides this pathway to the region, while also being the largest employer in the region.

Serving Local K-12 Populations

HSU has worked extensively to create partnerships and synergies between the University and local school districts. HSU is making groundbreaking efforts in delineating a clear path for high school graduates to college in order to strengthen the pathway between K-12 education and higher education.

The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) helps at-risk students in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties prepare for college. Under this 6-year, $3 million federal grant, HSU works with local partners Decade of Difference, Humboldt County Office of Education, Humboldt Area Foundation, the Yurok Tribe, and the Del Norte County Unified School District. The program provides a variety of support services including mentoring, counseling, tutoring, college-preparatory courses, and financial aid options to low-income, disadvantaged students and their families. During the 2018-2019 academic year (AY), GEAR UP partnered with Del Norte High School, Hoopa Valley High School, and Eureka High School.34

Another college readiness program at HSU is called Upward Bound. Funded by a $1.3 million grant from the Department of Education, Upward Bound helps local high school students enroll and succeed in higher education. As of August 2017, the program served 60 students from six local high schools. These students have the potential to thrive in college, are low-income, and are the first in their families to attend college. The program also includes a summer outreach program to stop potential incoming college freshman from giving up on college aspirations.35

HSU students have a long-standing commitment to partner with local K-12 schools. Established in 1969, HSU’s Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) is the second oldest Youth Educational Services (YES) program at the University. YMP student volunteers establish one-on-one mentor relationships with local elementary and middle school students. While the mentorship is set to be one year long, student often volunteer for multiple years to maintain relationships. In total the program has ten volunteers each year.36

Outside of campus programs, HSU staff and faculty are also actively engaged with the areas K-12 schools. In a given year HSU staff and faculty participate in community outreach activities with over two dozen local schools, such as Arcata Elementary School and the Northern Humboldt Union High School District.37

Advancing and Renewing the Region’s Workforce

HSU is committed to lifelong learning. Through the College of Extended Education, in 2018 over 3,000 people took an extended education course and 60 degrees and certificates were awarded. There are over 950 extended education courses offered in person and online at HSU over a wide range of certificate and degree programs.38 These programs focus in areas such as art and design, business management, ecological management, social work, technology, and many more. Additionally, Open University at HSU allows for anyone who is not enrolled at the University to take courses that interest them.

Specifically for the 50+ community, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at HSU creates opportunity for academic engagement, civic involvement, personal growth, and fun for Humboldt community residents. Courses range from culturally-focused, to sustainability, to iPhone basics, to recreational activities like kayaking. OLLI also hosts brown bag lunch presentations that are free and open to the public, and highlight talented and creative contributors.39