About Us

The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) is a non-profit, incorporated partnership of 23 accredited community colleges, public and private colleges and universities. Serving a 10-county region from Stockton to Bakersfield, CVHEC was established in 2000 by the presidents and chancellors of the region's colleges and universities. Together, CVHEC's higher education institutions are making a positive impact on the educational achievement of our region.

CVHEC Practices

• Provide college access to more Valley residents through The College Place college access centers and other forms of outreach.
• Promote financial aid opportunities for parents.
• Provide campus visits for underserved communities.
• Created and distribute English and Spanish language college-going media campaigns for broadcast.
• Produced and maintain an award winning web-site, www.CollegeNext.org, to serves as a hub of college information for counselors and families.
• Developed Valley P-16 councils.
• Developed a college-going pledge with Valley superintendents and school boards.
• Collaborate with other organizations such as Campaign for College Opportunity that work to achieve the state’s 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education.
• Partner with the Hispanic College Fund to raise college awareness and provide scholarships.
• Collect and maintains relevant data to measure educational progress, gaps, and create solutions.

Coalition Partnerships
With coalition partnerships CVHEC is working to:

• Expand career/technical education programs and courses to meet the Valley’s work force needs
• Increase expectations for student achievement
• Align economic development and higher education outcomes
• Increase availability of information and resources to students and parents

On-going activities

• Continue to form partnerships between area K-12 schools, colleges and universities to align academic content and create innovative strategies, for improving college preparation.
• Conduct research and work with government policy makers.
• Extend college-going pledge to students, parents, business, civic, and faith-based leaders.
• Continue to participate in initiatives such as California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.