The College of Continuing Education (CCE) at Sac State has added an exciting new certificate option in Cultural Competency, becoming the only Sacramento-area college to do so.

The Cultural Competency Certificate Program is designed to build cultural competence among a wide range of service providers. The program focuses on a variety of vulnerable populations and their experiences with public service professionals, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, social workers and those working in the healthcare system. The curriculum will enhance critical thinking through an analysis of intersectionality (race, class and gender) and various vulnerable populations, while increasing participant engagement through reading, discussion, role-plays and active learning.

“Our intent in designing this program has always been to increase cultural competence among service providers within the criminal justice system and surrounding communities,” says Associate Professor Yvette Farmer.

Participants in the certificate program will develop the knowledge, techniques, and skills necessary to understand and better serve vulnerable populations, including:

• Develop a stronger understanding of race and strengthen cultural awareness
• Learn about immigration and the influence this topic has had on society 
• Understand the role homelessness plays in the development of cultural competencies 
• Examine mental illness and how this topic plays a role in developing cultural competencies
• Discuss the impact of sexual violence on multiple aspects of society 
• Acquire a well-rounded perspective on special topics and variables that are current to building a mature and robust sense of cultural competencies 
• Craft an action on how to positively influence cultural awareness in the community  

Certificates and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded to those who successfully complete all seven required courses. Courses will be offered in an online delivery model. Participants will be engaged in activities online, both asynchronous and synchronously.

Professor Laurie Kubicek says about this new certificate program, “The ultimate aim of this program is to educate participants in a way that impacts their future actions with members of vulnerable populations.”

The College of Continuing Education (CCE) at Sacramento State has been offering courses, seminars, and workshops since 1951. Although times have changed since our founding, we remain committed to serving the community through higher education. The CCE extends the mission of Sacramento State by providing access to educational and professional programming that meets student and industry demands.