UCLA Extension Listening Exercise

At the chancellor’s Listening Exercise with UCLA Extension on April 17, 2025, speakers shared their perspectives on the value and future of the university’s extension program.

One speaker emphasized the importance of UCLA Extension in providing lifelong learning opportunities and filling educational gaps. Another speaker highlighted the large number of alumni who have benefited from UCLA Extension’s certificate programs and expressed a desire to explore innovative ways to enhance its impact.

One speaker expressed appreciation for the chancellor’s vision for UCLA Extension and suggested that the external world may not fully recognize its value. Another speaker noted that UCLA Extension recently received a significant donation of $6 million from an alum, and this was a tremendous boost for its mission. One speaker shared a personal story about their family’s experience immigrating to East Los Angeles and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the community through UCLA Extension.

Themes

• Lifelong Learning: Discussion focused on the importance of continuing education and learning throughout career and educational life cycles. 
• Educational Gaps: The need to address educational disparities and provide opportunities for those who may have missed out on traditional education was emphasized.
• UCLA Extension’s Impact: Speakers discussed UCLA Extension’s positive impact on individuals and the community and how Extension can better serve the local community and further foster connections. 
• Non-Traditional Learners: The audience noted how UCLA Extension continues to help underserved, underrepresented, and non-traditional students.
• Funding and Development: Discussion centered on securing financial resources for UCLA Extension’s programs and initiatives.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Speakers discussed the importance of UCLA Extension embracing new approaches and adapting to evolving needs.
• Strategic Partnerships: The potential for collaborations with other campus organizations to expand UCLA Extension’s reach and elevate its messaging priorities was discussed.
• Student Success: Discussion centered on UCLA Extension’s ultimate goal to empower students and help them achieve their goals. The ability to offer online classes globally was also discussed.
• Downtown Los Angeles: Speakers noted UCLA’s deep-rooted history in downtown Los Angeles, and shared thoughts about UCLA Extension’s move to the historic Trust Building.