Level Up and Invest in You: Professional Development

Written by Eric Contreras

So, let’s talk about something that should be on every classified professional’s radar: investing in your growth through professional development and cashing in on the opportunities available.

You don’t have to go at it alone! There’s an opportunity for everyone, whether you’re just trying to brush up on your skills or gain that certificate for career growth. We've got you covered!

Between Mt. SAC and our CSEA 262 contract, there’s a stack of free training opportunities, paid retreats, conference dollars, and potential cash reimbursements waiting for you. The only thing missing is you !

Log in. Sign up. Submit the form. Treat your professional and personal development like the priority it’s always been – because classified employees don’t just keep Mt. SAC moving, we keep growing!

Option 1: POD Connect

Professional development is just a click away! Logging in with your Mt. SAC credentials, you have access to thousands of valuable on-demand modules, both online and in-person opportunities throughout the year. POD is always a great starting point in seeking professional development. A one-stop-shop from Project Management (PMP) courses to Smartsheet training. You can’t go wrong and it’s free!

Option 2: Leadership Opportunities

Showing up for CPD Day, The Great Staff Retreat, or joining a committee can be great opportunities for personal growth. There is even an opportunity to apply for conference and travel funding. Just make sure to submit three weeks before the event to ensure funds are available!

Option 3: Personal/Professional Growth Benefit

Free Cash, just submit your PGB. This is the one many of us do not know about. Article 20 of the 2023-2026 CSEA 262 Agreement goes over Personal/Professional Growth. For those of you already going to school, buckle up it might be time to cash in!

Key Details regarding Appendix F (CSEA 262):

Purpose: To gain compensation for professional growth activities completed on personal time.

Eligibility: Units must be from accredited schools (WASC, SACS, etc.) or approved staff development.

Restrictions: Only one application is allowed per contract year.

Requirements: A grade of "C" or better is required for academic units.

Submission Deadline:

Per CSEA 262 Appendix F Application:

$300 for completing three (3) semester or four (4) quarter units and an additional $50 for every one (1) semester or one (1) quarter) of lower division credit at a school accredited by one (1) of the following six (6) regional accrediting associations of schools and colleges.

$500 for obtaining any job-related licenses and/or certificates at any school accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations of schools and colleges or an industry-recognized credential.

$750 for completing three (3) semester or four (4) quarter units and an additional $100 for every one (1) semester or one (1) quarter unit of upper division or graduate credit at a school accredited by one (1) of the following six (6) regional accrediting associations of schools and colleges. 

Or a one-time benefit for degree earned: Associate’s - $1,000; Bachelor’s - $1,500; Master’s or Higher - $2,000

Remember unit members may receive one of the following benefits listed each contract year and may be subject to payroll deductions.