SOCCCD Expands Workforce Opportunities at ATEP in Orange County

New facilities and industry partnerships aim to prepare students for in-demand careers

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) is expanding its Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) to create more workforce development opportunities across Orange County. The expansion includes new facilities for programs like culinary arts and automotive technology, as well as the opening of corporate partner facilities on-site. These initiatives are designed to provide hands-on learning, strengthen regional economic growth, and ensure programs align with the skills employers need.

Why it matters

The ATEP expansion demonstrates SOCCCD's commitment to student success and workforce readiness. By partnering closely with industry, the district is able to develop career-aligned learning pathways that prepare students for in-demand jobs in Orange County and beyond. This strategy supports the region's broader economic development goals.

The details

The ATEP expansion will bring the developed area of the 61.4-acre project to 30 acres. This includes the recent addition of a new 50,000-square-foot facility for culinary arts and automotive technology programs, as well as the opening of several corporate partner facilities on-site this year, such as the warehouse and headquarters of industrial computing company Advantech. These workforce-focused initiatives create more hands-on learning opportunities for students and ensure programs are directly connected to the skills employers need.

  • The ATEP expansion plan is ongoing, with new facilities and corporate partnerships being added throughout 2026.
  • The new 50,000-square-foot culinary arts and automotive technology facility recently opened.
  • Several corporate partner facilities, including Advantech, will open on the ATEP site this year.

The players

South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD)

The community college district that oversees Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, and the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP).

Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes

The chancellor of SOCCCD, who emphasizes the district's focus on student success and workforce readiness.

Board of Trustees

The governing body of SOCCCD, which includes Board President Carolyn Inmon, Vice-President Ryan Dack, and members Marcia Milchiker, T.J. Prendergast, Lisa Bartlett, Tim Jemal, Terri Rydell, and Student Trustee Blake Leonard.

Advantech

An industrial computing company that is opening a warehouse and headquarters facility on the ATEP site.

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What they’re saying

“Our central focus is student success—from access and equity to completion, transfer, and workforce readiness. Through Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, we offer high-quality academic pathways, career education, lifelong learning, and comprehensive student support services designed to help students achieve their goals.”

— Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes, Chancellor, South Orange County Community College District (bakercityherald.com)

“Strong governance is at the heart of SOCCCD's success. We work closely with the chancellor and college leadership to ensure accountability, fiscal stewardship, and policies that keep students at the center of every decision we make.”

— Board of Trustees (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

SOCCCD plans to continue expanding the ATEP site with additional facilities and industry partnerships in the coming years to further enhance workforce development opportunities for students.

The takeaway

The ATEP expansion demonstrates SOCCCD's commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers through innovative public-private partnerships and a focus on aligning programs with the skills employers need. This strategy supports broader economic growth in Orange County while prioritizing student success.