FOR MEDIA INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Yolanda Fintschenko
Executive Director
i-GATE Innovation Hub
(925) 784-3597
Dionicia Ramos Ledesma
Director of Public Relations, Marketing & Government Relations (PRMG)
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
(925) 485-5216
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District and i-GATE Partner to Advance Education and Innovation in the Tri-Valley Region
Livermore, CA — February 6, 2025 — The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) and i-GATE (Innovation for Green Advanced Transportation Excellence Development Corporation) are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fostering innovation, educational growth, and workforce development in the Tri-Valley region. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two organizations have formalized their commitment to providing new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and the broader community.
This partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations to create a vibrant ecosystem for learning and innovation. Las Positas College, a cornerstone of CLPCCD, brings its exemplary STEM programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong commitment to student success. Meanwhile, i-GATE offers world-class resources for startups, including access to Daybreak Labs, which specializes in life sciences and deep tech research and development. Together, these entities will empower students and entrepreneurs to accelerate their career and business goals.
Key Objectives of the Partnership:
- Job Training and Internships: The collaboration will provide students with hands-on training, internships, and potential employment opportunities in cutting-edge industries.
- Research and Development Opportunities: Students will gain access to research facilities and mentorship to explore innovative solutions in life sciences and deep technology.
- Joint Events and Programming: CLPCCD and i-GATE will host joint events, workshops, and initiatives to engage the community and foster collaboration between students and entrepreneurs.
- Professional Development: Faculty, staff, and students will benefit from specialized training and professional development programs designed to enhance their skills and career readiness.
- Innovation Campus Exploration: The partnership will explore the potential development of an Innovation Campus and Student Co-Op at Las Positas College, creating a hub for collaborative learning and business development.
Quotes from Leadership:
“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to equipping students with the skills and resources they need to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce,” said Ronald Gerhard, Chancellor, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. “By working with i-GATE, we’re opening doors to transformative opportunities in education, research, and innovation.”
“At i-GATE, our mission has always been to build a thriving startup community and support entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed,” said Yolanda Fintschenko, PhD, Executive Director of i-GATE. “Partnering with CLPCCD aligns perfectly with this vision and allows us to directly impact the next generation of innovators.”
About i-GATE
i-GATE Innovation Hub is a non-profit organization focused on increasing economic prosperity through entrepreneurship in the Tri-Valley. i-GATE provides startup incubation resources through Daybreaks Labs and connects the regional innovation ecosystem through the Startup Tri-Valley initiative. To learn more, visit igatehub.org.
About Chabot-Las Positas Community College District: Chabot-Las Positas Community College District serves the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas with two colleges: Chabot College in Hayward and Las Positas College in Livermore. The district is dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering partnerships that benefit students and the community.
For more information about this partnership or to learn about upcoming initiatives, please contact yolandaf@igateihub.org or dramos@clpccd.org.
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