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Clearlake council approves 'Reconnect' initiative to help adults finish college, tapping opioid-settlement funds
Summary
The council unanimously authorized the Clear Lake Reconnect and Recovery Support Initiative with Woodland Community College, using opioid-settlement proceeds to fund outreach, $300 incentive grants and case-management supports to re-enroll adults with some college but no degree; the program requested $80,000 from city-set-aside funds.
The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to establish the Clear Lake Reconnect and Recovery Support Initiative in partnership with Woodland Community College’s Lake County campus. President Lizette Navarrete presented the program as a targeted effort to re-engage adult learners who have "some college, no degree," with a package of outreach, case management and a $300 incentive grant to cover startup costs such as books and supplies.
Navarrete said the program will pair joint city–college marketing with on-campus supports, including a part-time counselor and expanded case-management services such as early benefits screening and connections to CalFresh and CalWORKs. The college also plans a credit-for-prior-learning initiative to award academic credit for applicable prior work or military experience.
Council discussion focused on funding. City staff identified about $500,000 in proceeds set aside from opioid litigation; councilmembers said the new Reconnect proposal would draw from that fund rather than general fund dollars. The city manager and college representative said the current request of $80,000 would fund incentive grants and initial staffing/case-management support.
After discussion and public comment endorsing the program, a council member moved to approve the initiative and authorize the city manager to execute an agreement with Woodland Community College; the motion passed by unanimous vote.
The council did not adopt detailed contract language at the meeting; the city manager was directed to negotiate terms and return with a formal agreement consistent with the council’s approval.
