Marvin Martinez is the chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College. The Register sat down with him to learn about his vision for the district.

To what do you attribute the growth of RSCCD, which has become the number one district in California for adult and continuing education, serving over 106,000 students last year?

RSCCD’s growth results from our relentless focus on providing high-quality, accessible education tailored to the needs of our community. Becoming the number one district in California for Adult and Continuing Education FTES with only two colleges directly reflects the hard work of our faculty, staff and administrators. We’ve grown by serving over 106,000 students, including 25,000 additional individuals we reached during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our growth is not just about numbers — it’s about transforming lives, creating opportunities and ensuring our students thrive in an ever-evolving economy. The success of our students is our success, and this growth speaks to our community’s trust in RSCCD.

How has the increase in students impacted resources and facilities?

The significant increase in enrollment, now exceeding 106,000 students, has pushed our facilities to their limits. Both Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College are operating at full capacity, and our infrastructure is struggling to meet the demands of this growth. Many of our buildings are aging, and our technology needs upgrades to keep pace with modern educational standards. Overcrowding in classrooms, outdated computer systems, and limited lab space are just some of the challenges we face. While this growth is a positive reflection of our impact, it also highlights the urgent need to expand and update our facilities to ensure that every student has access to the learning environments they deserve.

How is RSCCD preparing for the demographic shift in Orange County, where 50% of the population will be 40 or over by 2032, while continuing to serve traditional students?

We are proactively preparing for this demographic shift by expanding programs serving traditional and nontraditional students. As the population ages, there will be a growing need for educational opportunities tailored to mid-career professionals and older adults looking to reskill or advance in their careers. At the same time, we continue to support younger, traditional students by offering programs that prepare them for the workforce or further education. Our bachelor’s degree programs in Occupational Studies, Paralegal Studies and Automotive Technology are examples of how we’re addressing the needs of a diverse student body and ensuring that all students are prepared for success in a changing economy.

 What is RSCCD doing to address the needs of veterans and first responders?

RSCCD is deeply committed to supporting veterans and first responders. We have established Veterans Resource Centers at our colleges to provide these individuals with the specialized services they need to transition into civilian careers, including academic advising, mental health counseling and job placement services. We also offer training programs tailored to the needs of first responders, such as law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services. With Measure G (which would provide locally-controlled funding to complete upgrades to aging schools), we will be able to invest in even better facilities and resources, ensuring veterans and first responders continue to receive top-tier training and support in their educational journeys.

What could RSCCD do if it had more resources?

With additional resources, RSCCD could significantly enhance our educational offerings and facilities. We would renovate aging buildings, improve accessibility for disabled students and relieve overcrowded classrooms by constructing new facilities. Furthermore, we could expand our programs to better prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers in fields like health care, cybersecurity and green technologies. Investing in these upgrades would directly impact the quality of education we provide, ensuring that our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow and that our community benefits from a stronger, more educated workforce. Measure G is not just an investment in our colleges; it’s an investment in the future prosperity of our entire community.

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