Cabrillo College is asking Santa Cruz County residents to share their ideas for how the college can better serve local students and the broader community — a key step in shaping its next five-year strategic plan, “Cabrillo 2030.”

Rooted in social justice, equity, and educational excellence, Cabrillo 2030 places students at the center of the college’s work. The plan builds on Cabrillo’s 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, which focused on transfer preparation, workforce readiness and instructional excellence. With its mission recently updated, Cabrillo leaders are now engaging the community to help chart priorities for 2026-2030.

As part of this process, Cabrillo is hosting a series of Community Listening Sessions to hear directly from residents, alumni, parents, business owners and local leaders about the college’s future direction. Conversations will focus on strengthening Cabrillo’s partnership with the community, expanding access and equity, and ensuring programs align with the needs of the local workforce and economy.

Community Listening Sessions

  • Watsonville Campus: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 5–7 p.m., Room A180
  • Virtual, via Zoom: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9–11 a.m. (bit.ly/comm2030)
  • Aptos Campus: Thursday, Nov. 7, 5–7 p.m., Horticulture Building

Those unable to attend in person can share feedback through Cabrillo’s online survey at cabrillo.edu/2030.

The planning process — organized around the themes of align, gather, discover, create and commit — began earlier this year with the formation of the Cabrillo 2030 Strategic Planning Taskforce. The group is reviewing student data, community input and institutional goals to identify common priorities and emerging themes. The completed plan, expected in spring 2026, will guide Cabrillo’s mission, vision and resource decisions over the next decade.