The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, or SCVEDC, Executive Committee voted recently to publicly express its support for Measure E.

Measure E is the $230 million bond measure that will let College of the Canyons build needed classrooms and labs to serve increasing numbers of Santa Clarita Valley students.

“We have seen firsthand how College of the Canyons is contributing to the Santa Clarita Valley by demonstrating leadership in aligning education with economic growth, job retention, and workforce development,” said Don Fleming, Co-Chair of the SCVEDC.

By offering 83 degrees options that transfer to four-year universities, plus 68 certificates that prepare students for a variety of well-paying career fields, College of the Canyons develops a well-trained local workforce that draws new businesses to the Santa Clarita Valley.

The college also plays a vital role in supporting a diverse, vibrant economy in the Santa Clarita Valley. From customized training that helps local companies remain competitive in their respective industries, to free counseling for entrepreneurs and start-ups, the college provides a variety of services that bolster the local economy.

“Our support for the measure not only rests on the fact that every penny raised by this measure will be spent right here in the Santa Clarita Valley, it also reflects our belief that the COC expansion will make our local labor force more competitive, helping meet the growing needs of local business and industry,” said Calvin Hedman, Co-Chair of the SCVEDC.

COC’s Economic Development Division secured $3.9 million in grants and revenue that provided training for 2,985 employees at 833 companies during 2014-15. The Small Business Development Center also helped launch 46 business start-ups and assisted local businesses in creating 258 new jobs.

Working students realize a significant return on their investment in education at College of the Canyons. On average, they earn 22 percent more pay after successfully completing just two courses related to their job.

If passed by voters on June 7, Measure E will provide $230 million for College of the Canyons to build new classrooms and labs at the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses that will accommodate growing student enrollment. Now serving about 20,000 students, the college expects to enroll 30,000 students in about 10 years, a 50 percent increase.

Measure E will fund four new buildings totaling 172,000 square feet of learning and student service space at the Canyon Country Campus. At Valencia, the bond will build 1,000 new parking spaces and renovate 350,000 square feet of learning space, much of it in classroom and lab buildings that are more than 40 years old.