California’s Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday visited Mt. San Jacinto College’s Temecula Valley Campus on May 14 to engage with students, leaders, and community partners on the role of service in advancing workforce readiness and economic mobility across the Inland Empire region.
Fryday participated in a roundtable discussion with MSJC leadership, students, and regional partners centered on the theme: “How service can be a pathway to workforce readiness and economic mobility in the Inland region.” The conversation explored how service-based learning, civic engagement, and career technical education can align to create meaningful pathways into high-demand careers.
Participants in the roundtable included MSJC leadership and staff from Career Technical Education and Student Services, as well as students engaged in service and workforce pathways. External partners included regional workforce and economic development leaders, as well as representatives from local chambers of commerce and county agencies.
Fryday’s visit also included a campus tour highlighting MSJC’s instructional programs and strategic priorities, including a stop at one of the Temecula Valley Campus towers, envisioned for conversion into a future University Center. The proposed center aims to expand access to four-year degree opportunities in the region through partnerships with public and private universities, addressing a critical need in one of California’s fastest-growing areas.
“Mt. San Jacinto College is demonstrating what’s possible when education, service, and workforce
development come together with a shared purpose,” Josh Fryday said. “By connecting students to meaningful service opportunities and career pathways, MSJC is helping prepare the next generation of leaders while strengthening economic mobility across the Inland region.
“This visit highlights the critical role community colleges play in connecting education to opportunity,” MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz said. “At Mt. San Jacinto College, we are committed to ensuring that students have access to high-quality educational pathways close to home, pathways that lead to meaningful careers and strengthen the communities we serve.”
