Annual Report TO
THE COMMUNITY
MESSAGE FROM THE President
The South Bay community has relied on El Camino College to deliver high-quality student-centered learning, career development, and educational enrichment opportunities for more than 75 years. From degrees and certifications designed for comprehensive career training or university transfer, to personalized education and dedicated guidance, El Camino supports each student’s journey to meaningful employment.
As a leading South Bay workforce development partner, we continue to build programs and partnerships that help students gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed in today’s workforce. By partnering with local employers such as Northrop Grumman, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, or the City of Torrance, we are here to develop the right pathways for employers’ real-time workforce needs.
At El Camino College, we recognize that career and workforce development are essential to both individual advancement and the economic vitality of our region. Through innovative career education programs and strategic partnerships, we prepare students to enter the workforce with confidence and the skills needed to excel and advance in their chosen fields. I am pleased to share highlights of El Camino’s new career development initiatives, educational programs, campus improvements, and the outstanding accomplishments of our students in this report.
Brenda Thames, Ph.D. President/CEO
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
ECC PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Fueling the Economic and Labor Market
El Camino’s many partnerships with area businesses, industries, and consortiums help us identify workforce needs and deliver targeted education and training. As a result, students are prepared to enter the workplace and immediately contribute to a strong economy and employment rates, while accessing defined career pathways, increased earning potential, and opportunities for advancement. Working with Northrop Grumman for example, we expanded and increased an award-winning apprenticeship program that bridges the gap between workforce preparedness and the employers fueling LA’s cutting-edge economy. We help workers struggling to find high-wage, in-demand careers, and companies struggling to find qualified, skilled employees.
Achievements & GRANTS
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Get Ready to Grow
At the Small Business Development Center, we like to say, “Think Big. Start Small.” This is the place where entrepreneurs and small businesses get the advising, education, and training they need to plan for their future growth. Part of El Camino’s Business Training Center, the South Bay SBDC supports the economic stability and development of local businesses. The SBDC is also affiliated with a national network, providing no-cost business advising from small business professionals, assistance with securing debt or equity financing, and no-cost/low-cost educational events. Since their inception, SBDCs have been known for their significant contribution to the economy by helping create jobs, retain jobs, and stimulate local economic growth.
MAKING AN IMPACT
• 1,718 small businesses served
• 70 new businesses created
• 217 jobs created
• $33.4 million in equity infusion, loans and grants
• $44+ million increase in sales
• 4,362 hours of business advising
• 246 training events with over 702 attendees
U.S. Small Business Administration Awards ECC Small Business Development Center 2025 EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION AWARD
INDUSTRY DRIVEN REGIONAL COLLABORATIVES GRANTS DRIVE CAREER PATHWAYS
New Grants Support New Programs
AI MANUFACTURING
El Camino received an Industry Driven Regional Collaboratives grant to develop a certificate program in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Advanced Manufacturing, which enables us to offer short-term training programs tailored to high-growth and emerging AI careers in the South Bay. This flexible funding allows quick responses to industry needs, closes workforce skills gaps, and supports lasting partnerships with employers. These programs help provide students with access to lifechanging education, promote workforce equity, and support economic mobility.
STEM PRE-APPRENTICESHIP
This Industry Driven Regional Collaborative grant will support a new eight-week, multitrack STEM pre-apprenticeship initiative where adult learners gain hands-on experience in one of four high-demand STEM career pathways:
• Engineering Technology
• Machine Tool Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Climate and Green Technologies
Students will explore specialized technical skills, make important industry connections, access pathways to apprenticeships or direct employment, and learn cutting-edge tech and sustainable practices.
EL CAMINO NAMED FOUNDING PARTNER IN TECH INITIATIVE
El Camino is proud to be selected as a founding partner to support the Digital Center for Innovation, Transformation and Equity, an initiative of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office designed to help modernize and shape future technology adoption.
The expansion of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies can drive innovation and benefit residents statewide by boosting economic growth, workforce development, and creativity. Ensuring students have access to this emerging technology is an important part of the program. By partnering with state agencies, industry leaders, and businesses, the Digital Center will create nimble, data-informed pilots of AI tools and other technology to determine efficacy and scalability, while supporting equity-minded digital infrastructure and services across the state’s community colleges.
“The Digital Center will be at the nexus of efforts to comprehensively evaluate artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies so that we can act ethically and in accordance with our principles while allowing our system to be nimble in pursuit of innovation and excellence.”
-SONYA CHRISTIAN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES CHANCELLOR
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP BUILDS WORKFORCE, MARITIME INDUSTRY
El Camino is contributing to the U.S. Navy’s efforts to bolster California’s maritime and defense industrial base while building a skilled workforce with this $12 million performance-based contract. As part of the California Shipbuilding Ecosystems Alliance (CalSEA), ECC is leading a consortium of partners working to expand shipbuilding supply chain capability and capacity, while promoting Navy-specific technologies, and developing the workforce needed by the maritime industry in Southern California. Funding comes from a Navy shipbuilding contract; El Camino is a subcontractor and leads the CalSEA initiative.
INTERN SOUTH BAY
Inaugural Internship Program: Not Just Business As Usual
Media and communications, legal services, journalism, film and postproduction, education, and the arts – these are some of the industries explored by students in our first-ever internship program. Partnering with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Intern South Bay placed 17 students in an eight-week, 140-hour paid summer internship where they got real world experience and a look into future careers.
First cohort of Intern South Bay students at their end-of-summer program banquet.
Interns getting to know one another at the first program meeting.
As part of their orientation, interns learned about networking and other vital career building skills.
Student
Samantha Salazar was among the first students to complete El Camino’s inaugural Intern South Bay program, where she gained practical experience at a personal injury law firm in Torrance in addition to valuable insights into her future career as an attorney.
“
I found real-world experience in drafting legal documents, managing cases, and interacting with clients and the court system, directly applying classroom learning and building the practical skills essential for a successful legal career.”
- SAMANTHA SALAZAR INTERN SOUTH BAY PROGRAM
Academic
UNDERWATER ROBOTICS PARTNERSHIP WITH BECAP/LARC
El Camino students have a unique opportunity to explore underwater careers in the emerging “blue economy,” which focuses on using ocean resources sustainably to restore ocean health, create jobs, and support livelihoods. We are currently developing an underwater robotics certificate program with the Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) in collaboration with the Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC), making cutting-edge technology accessible to students. The LARC is a consortium of 19 LA community colleges bridging the gap between workforce and employers, working to make colleges accessible and affordable. El Camino College is the college leading the underwater robotics portion of this project.
In addition to discovering underwater robotic options and related science, design and fabrication, students will learn about the types of underwater vehicles, how they are designed, how robots function in a water environment, and the types of structures and materials used for underwater robotics, all in preparation for a future in one of the blue economy’s fastest growing industries.
PROGRAM SUCCESS
NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is a fast-growing field, and El Camino offers students multiple options to enter this sector, which includes traditional research and the biotechnology industry. El Camino’s Biotechnology Program includes an Associate of Science degree, and two certificates of achievement: biotechnology laboratory assistant and the biotechnology technician certificate. Students learn advanced lab skills, preparing for entry-level positions in the biotech industry or for transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Internships are also available, giving students hands-on, practical experience while enhancing work-readiness skills learned in the classroom. The curriculum was developed with close collaboration from local industry partners that serve on ECC’s Biotechnology Advisory Board, to ensure graduates are ready to successfully transition to the labor market and apply for roles such as laboratory technicians and assistants.
Remotely operated vehicle performing an underwater test.
NEW ACTUARIAL SCIENCE DEGREE
El Camino Offers First Community College Program in U.S.
A new actuarial science degree at El Camino puts students on track for careers in business and risk management. The first two-year degree in the country to be offered at the community college level, the program teaches students to analyze financial risks through math, economics, and statistics. After completing their studies, students can begin a career as an actuary, transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, or pursue numerous other business majors.
CYBERSECURITY AI INFUSED COURSE
Cybersecurity is the most popular program in El Camino College’s Computer Information Systems department, and cybersecurity curriculum has been infused with AI concepts since the first course offering. AI is used by cybersecurity analysts every day to help detect patterns of attack in computer systems and networks. Hackers also use AI to “learn” how to break into these secure systems. To stop hackers, it is critical for students to understand the cyber threat landscape when working in information technology. Students use AI to build their own cybersecurity toolkit, analyze digital forensics at scale, and understand how AI plays a role in the information security environment.
AI IN CYBERSECURITY COURSES
• Threat Detection: identify anomalies in network traffic
• Image and Video Forensics: detect manipulated media or hidden steganography
• Automation: streamline tasks like log analysis or threat intelligence
• Exploration: launch automated vulnerability discovery
Student
SPOTLIGHT
Wesley Marshall graduated in 2025 with a degree from El Camino’s new actuarial science program. Now at Stanford University, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management science and engineering, concentrating on the overlapping areas of technology, policy, and leadership. This focus aligns with his passions in engineering and technology entrepreneurship to support underserved communities.
“The actuarial science degree helped me build foundational skills in risk analysis and understand how to lead in business environments. This translates not only into my intended major at Stanford, but into my career aspirations in technology leadership.”
-WESLEY MARSHALL
NONCREDIT GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES
Noncredit classes are an excellent way to introduce students to El Camino College. This barrier-free pathway to higher education has experienced significant growth, reflecting the strength of our academic programs and support resources. Through noncredit workshops, shortterm courses, events, and career training programs, new and returning students can explore college opportunities at their own pace and with minimal cost. We welcome all learners to El Camino and help them discover what’s possible through personalized pathways that lead to credit classes, new careers, and lifelong success—all starting with just one class.
CAREER SPOTLIGHT: STERILE PROCESSING TECH
A new noncredit Sterile Processing Technician certificate program was developed in partnership with Torrance Memorial Medical Center to help meet the demand for sterile processing technicians, who play a critical role in maintaining hospital hygiene and ensuring surgical safety. The 16-week program combines in-depth classroom lectures, hands-on training with surgical instrumentation, and valuable clinical experience provided by Torrance Memorial.
Partner
“Torrance Memorial has a long-standing partnership with El Camino College focused on developing highly skilled health care professionals right here in the South Bay. The new Sterile Processing Technician program has been a great pipeline for well-prepared candidates who already understand the fundamentals before they join our team. It’s strengthened our relationship with the community and helps raise awareness about career opportunities in sterile processing.
The hands-on training students receive means they’re able to contribute quickly once hired, which directly supports our workflow and patient safety goals. It’s also been a tremendous asset for recruiting—we’re connecting with motivated students early and giving them a clear path into a health care career. Overall, it’s a win-win: students gain real-world experience, and we gain skilled, enthusiastic new team members. We’re grateful to have El Camino College as a partner in growing technician programs that meet the needs of our hospital and our community.”
- MARY WRIGHT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT PATIENT SERVICES/CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, TORRANCE MEMORIAL HEALTH
Student
Quiana Castillo made history in June 2025 when she was among 25 students to graduate with one of the college’s firstever bachelor’s degrees in respiratory care. Castillo, a licensed respiratory therapist for six years, previously earned an associate degree in respiratory care from ECC and chose to pursue further education to advance in her profession one day.
“The flexibility of the classes and homework fit in with my efforts to get my schoolwork done while maintaining my regular day-to-day activities and home life. The support and guidance from the teachers both inside and outside of the classroom helped us all succeed.”
-QUIANA CASTILLO RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM GRADUATE
SPOTLIGHTS
By the end of this academic year, high school senior Avery Thomas plans to earn her high school diploma and associate degree at the exact same time. With the new Early College Program, Avery has been taking El Camino courses in the morning, then heads back to North High School in the afternoon. She will have completed two years of college credit when she graduates, saving time and money, while setting herself up for success at a university.
“I’m glad that I get to experience college earlier than most; happy that I am able to meet new people through this program; and especially grateful that I get to experience education in this new, exciting format.”
-AVERY
THOMAS
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
$1 MILLION IN
SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDED Foundation Breaks Records, Changes Lives
The El Camino College Foundation achieved a historic milestone this year by awarding over $1 million in scholarships to students for the fall 2025 semester. This unprecedented level of financial support is the largest amount ever distributed in college history. Nearly 675 students representing a wide range of academic and career-technical programs will directly benefit from these scholarships, helping them pursue their educational and career goals with reduced financial barriers.
Scholarship funds were made possible through the support of alumni, area businesses, charitable foundations, and individual donors who have contributed to the Foundation’s mission of expanding access to higher education. The funding helps students cover fees, tuition, books, supplies, and other critical expenses.
ECC Foundation supporters and Board members Laurie Love, Board president; Laurie and Tom McCarthy, John Bacich, and Kathy and Paul Wafer.
Sari and Dr. Don Brann, ECC Distinguished Alumnus and longtime supporters, with ECC Superintendent/ President Dr. Brenda Thames.
Foundation
BY THE NUMBERS
• The El Camino College Foundation secured nearly $5 million in total fundraising efforts for 2024-2025
• Record-breaking $1 million in scholarships awarded to students in 2025
• Represents a 12% increase over last year’s total
“Reaching the $1 million mark is not only a record for us, but a reflection of the unwavering generosity of our donors and the strong belief in the power of education to change lives.”
-ANDREA SALA
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR,
EL CAMINO COLLEGE FOUNDATION
JOIN US!
Connect with the Foundation and help change lives through education! Visit us online at: www.elcaminocollegefoundation.org
Andrea Sala asala@elcamino.edu 310-660-6040
Libby Smith and her Hawthorne Graduate Scholarship recipients.
The Bemis Scholarship recipients with Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Bemis.
Bill Kim surrounded by his family and members of the first cohort of 50 students who received the Bill and Mary Kim Scholarship.
SUCCESS SPOTLIGHTS Student
Clay Grant graduated from El Camino in 2025 and received the Ken Brown Memorial Scholarship that same year. The business major enrolled in El Camino following 15 years of service as an L.A. County deputy sheriff and now attends Morehouse College, Ken Brown’s alma mater.
The Ken Brown Memorial Scholarship honors the late El Camino Community College District Trustee’s life of service, dedication to community college student success, and his love of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“I aspire to incorporate Mr. Brown’s teachings and contribute to the betterment of communities, particularly those of Black and Brown individuals. He accomplished this through education and unwavering determination.”
-CLAY GRANT
KEN BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Outstanding STEM student Ava Loann Schaeffer transferred to UCLA this fall, with plans to continue her studies as a mechanical engineering major and pursue her dream career in a related field.
Scholarships from the Carol H. and Kevin W. Sharer Foundation are awarded to exceptional students who plan to transfer to a UC or CSU campus. Five ECC students received $16,000 scholarships this year.
“Earning the Sharer Scholars scholarship means that I will never have to struggle alone on my educational journey. While the monetary support cannot be understated, the most meaningful aspect is the community; it really felt like entering a family environment with other Sharer Scholars and faculty cheering me on.”
-AVA LOANN SCHAEFFER
SHARER SCHOLAR
Sigli Amadu transferred to CSU Dominguez Hills this fall and received the Presidential Scholarship, the university’s most prestigious scholarship program, funded for the first time by the ECC Foundation. The highly motivated business major, community volunteer, and firstgen student said he found opportunities at El Camino for advanced learning and personal development.
The Presidential Scholars Program at CSUDH recognizes outstanding academics, leadership, and service. Two years of tuition are included for transfer students, along with other benefits.
“I am driven to use my education to not only build a successful career but also to contribute meaningfully to society. This financial support allows me to complete my educational journey and opens doors to experiences I might not otherwise be able to pursue, such as studying abroad or participating in research projects.”
-SIGLI AMADU
CSU DOMINGUEZ HILLS PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Facilities
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION
ECC Facilities Update
Support from our community launched an ambitious building plan more than two decades ago that significantly modernized and changed the look of the El Camino campus. Voter-approved bond funds were spent wisely, resulting in extensive renovations and several completely new instructional buildings.
We invite our community to visit us and see our progress as we continue to modernize our campus with classroom upgrades, new instructional equipment, and essential health and safety repairs. Our current efforts prioritize improvements to our aging fine arts buildings, theaters, natural science lab, and underground water systems. Modern facilities are required to help meet the evolving workforce development needs of the Los Angeles region and we are evaluating the work needed in these areas. As always, our focus remains ensuring all campus facilities continue to be a valuable community asset and a central hub for educational advancement, economic mobility, and workforce development in the South Bay.
SOUTH BAY REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER
We are moving ahead with plans to build a new South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Center, located in Parking Lot L. This completely new facility will offer training programs for area public safety personnel along with education opportunities for El Camino students. Site preparation is ongoing, and construction is scheduled to start in 2026.
ECC President Dr. Brenda Thames and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) pose with a proclamation commemorating the Public Safety Training Center groundbreaking.
Interim Dean of Kinesiology, Athletics, & Public Safety Jeffrey Baumunk addresses the audience at the Public Safety Training Center groundbreaking event.
REVIEW
NOW OPEN: EL CAMINO COMMONS
Wellness meets basic needs resources at the entirely new El Camino Commons, a place where students can meet, gather, relax, and participate in a variety of activities. This space features a new home for our Basic Needs Center, a dance studio, wellness center, and locker facilities, along with outdoor features such as an entry plaza, Warrior Pantry drive-thru, fresh landscaping, and a shaded courtyard with plenty of seating.
EL CAMINO WARRIOR PANTRY AND CLOSET VITAL RESOURCE
Thousands of students and community members are supported by the Warrior Pantry, where visitors to the Pantry can “shop” shelves full of fresh produce, canned food, packaged sides, and cold items. These products have been vital for hardworking students and the community in need of meals. The Warrior Closet is a convenient location for students to “shop” as if they are visiting a retail storefront complete with helpful staff to guide students on finding just the right item for their next interview, or casual clothes, shoes, and accessories for every day. With hundreds of items to select from, both the Pantry and Closet have become regular stops for our students fighting food insecurity or in need of refreshed clothing. Please visit the El Camino College Foundation page and select “Ways to Give - Warrior Pantry” to support these efforts.
Students lounge in ECC’s Center for Well-Being where they can enjoy calming activities and quiet areas for reflection to focus on self-care.
COLLEGE NIGHT
El Camino welcomed hundreds of potential students to campus for College Night. During this annual event, students and their families had a chance to tour the campus and learn about the many academic programs, resources, and activities available at the college.
IN THE COMMUNITY
On campus and off campus, El Camino College offers a variety of services to make you feel at home – wherever you are! New student information sessions, campus tours, application workshops, assessments, educational planning, and more are available at your convenience, from in-person conversations to connecting on a variety of online platforms.
Connect with us: www.elcamino.edu/admissions/ outreach/services.php
Student ambassadors lead twilight campus tours at the annual College Night event.
Over 1,100 prospective students and their guests visited the 2024 College Night.
Outreach team is all smiles!
Warrior Welcome Center staff members help new students with the application and registration process.
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
During the 2024-2025 year, teams of El Camino College staff went out into the community to share resources about the college and information about new programs and services. For information about having El Camino visit your school or event, visit: www.elcamino.edu/outreach-request
BY THE NUMBERS
• Total Outreach events: 1,633
• Connected with 77,158 prospective students and community members
• Visited 300 fairs and events at local schools, nonprofits, and community events
• Conducted 250 tours of the El Camino campus
MISSION STATEMENT
El Camino College is equity-focused and partners with its diverse communities to provide student-centered learning, career development, and lifelong enrichment.
VISION STATEMENT
El Camino College will spark innovation and create equitable opportunities for our students, employees, and community.
VALUES
Integrity: We commit to ethical practices and act with transparency, sincerity, and respect in all situations.
Community Engagement: We contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of our neighboring communities.
Equity: We celebrate the unique strengths of all individuals and support the marginalized to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, anti-racist environment.
Social Responsibility: We support our students to become the next generation of responsible leaders who recognize our collective duty to contribute to the well-being of our communities and the world at large.
Student-Centered Mindset: We proactively respond to the needs of our students and prioritize their success and well-being.
Collaboration: We work together with respect and open-mindedness to achieve common goals.
Employee Wellness: We support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our employees by providing resources and services to meet their professional needs.
Sustainability: We steward the college’s human, financial, and non-financial resources responsibly, and pursue innovation and continuous improvement to impact future generations. TRISHA MURAKAWA, President • NILO VEGA MICHELIN, Vice President • KATHERINE STEINBRONER MASCHLER, Secretary BRETT C.S. ROBERTS, Trustee • CLIFFORD NUMARK, Trustee • CHARLIE MITCHELL, Student Trustee EL CAMINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS OF NOVEMBER 2025