Innovative Programs Grow Downtown
Westmont is finishing renovations at the Keith Center, 29 West Anapamu, which will eventually house several programs, including the expansion of Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing and other post-secondary allied health programs, as well as other post-secondary programs that meet the growing needs of the dynamic community.
The Center for Applied Technology Lab (CATLab) will move to the Keith Center. Since 2017, students studying computer science and data analytics have developed effective new components for Westmont’s Salesforce platform at a fraction of the price professional teams would charge. This innovative approach includes a summer-long session with students working on specific projects and gaining valuable experience and connections in Santa Barbara so they can launch their own tech careers.
With a generous grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation, CATLab students currently tackle three projects: a chatbot for navigating Westmont’s administrative ecosystem; a model to recommend efficiency in purchasing energy; and a tool for admissions counselors to use with prospective students. Other initiatives include rebuilding the Westmont mobile application for Android phones, categorizing forms and improving Salesforce system data.
The Keith Center will also house the Center for Technology, Creativity and Moral Imagination (TCMI). This program equips students with skills at the intersection of technology and creativity so they can make informed decisions about ethical issues surrounding rapid developments such as artificial intelligence (AI). The strategic location offers easy access to businesses, local government, start-up hubs and more. Renovations will install state-of-the art classrooms and technology designed to promote collaboration and innovation. Combining a liberal arts education with relevant internships and hands-on experience effectively prepares students for careers.
A new program at the Keith Center will cultivate wisdom in Christian leaders and offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Theological Leadership. Ministry professionals, laypeople eager to grow spiritually and recent college graduates considering seminary will benefit from the curriculum. Eight courses, taught one at a time during four semesters, blend experiences in person and online.
The first cohort completes their work in December 2025, and applications have opened for the next one, which begins in fall 2025. Whether students pursue the certificate as a terminal degree or apply it to graduate education, the program will connect them with churches and leading seminaries throughout the country. Partnerships with leading evangelical seminaries enable graduates to enter a master’s degree program with at least one year of academic credit.