De Anza’s Automotive Technology program gets eliminated from California’s 4-year baccalaureate degree program.

On Sept. 28, 2014 California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that created a pilot program for community colleges across the state to offer 4-year degree’s for college students in fields such as health, science and technology.

The California Community College Chancellor’s office will accept one application out of its 72 community college districts, and only 15 will be elected for the Pilot Program. Amongst the 34 community colleges whom submitted an application, De Anza college was not one to make the cut.

Although the auto tech program was not elected from De Anza  it continues to be in election for  a bachelors degree under Evergreen Valley’s automotive technology and management program.

“I am not sure what is the selection process for the application, the automotive technology program in De Anza College was supposed to be in the running for the 4-year degree, but it was not chosen,” said Randy Bryant, department head of De Anza College’s automotive technology program.

“The current proposal system to the state limits the number that can be submitted,” said Marisa Spatafore.

“On behalf of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, Foothill College recently submitted a proposal for a four-year dental hygiene degree.”

Once elected,  programs could start as of fall of 2016,  but all programs under the Pilot Program are required to begin by the 2017-18 academic year.

“De Anza is very interested in providing a four-year degree and hopes to be able to do so in the near future,” said Spatafore.

The Bay Area colleges applying to offer a bachelor’s degree include:

Foothill College in Los Altos Hills — dental hygiene

Laney College in Oakland — sustainable facilities management

Napa Valley College — respiratory therapy

Ohlone College in Fremont — respiratory care

Skyline College in San Bruno — respiratory therapy

Solano Community College — biomanufacturing

Evergreen Valley College — automotive technology and management