I know what Coast Community College District can do for a student because I lived it. Coast gave me my start, and now I'm running to make sure the next generation gets their opportunity.
A Message From Austin
Meet Austin Edsell
Austin Edsell is a proud graduate of Coast Community College District, an educator, and a Huntington Beach Planning Commissioner, running for Coast Community College District Trustee. Austin graduated from Coast in 2017 and Cal State Fullerton in 2019, and has called this community home for over 20 years.
Austin knows firsthand what today's students and workers are going through: a changing workplace, AI reshaping jobs, and the high cost of living in Orange County. As an educator, Austin prepares students for the future. As a former Finance Commissioner, he brings a focus on accountability, transparency, and protecting taxpayer dollars.
He is running to improve job outcomes, expand education programs including four-year degrees, keep campuses safe and protect free speech, and protect taxpayer dollars.
Austin's Priorities
Improve Job Outcomes
Austin will expand career and technical education to prepare our workforce for good-paying jobs right here in Orange County. Whether a student plans to transfer to a four-year university, earn a professional certification, learn a skilled trade, or enter the workforce, Coast should provide a clear path forward. Austin will strengthen career education, technical training, transfer opportunities, and partnerships with local employers so students graduate prepared for what comes next.
Expand Education Programs
Austin will implement new education programs, including four-year degrees, to better serve our local employers and empower our students with the skills to earn great incomes. That means students can afford to live in Orange County, raise families, and one day purchase a home. Austin will work with local employers, high schools, and four-year universities to find the programs our region needs most, from healthcare and technology to the skilled trades. He will also support older learners who want to gain new skills or start a new career, because it is never too late to learn something new.
Keep Students Safe and Protect Free Speech
Every student, faculty member, and employee deserves to feel safe on campus. Austin will work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and first responders to strengthen emergency preparedness, campus security, and effective crisis communication. Austin will protect free speech on college campuses. Teachers should teach students how to think, not what to think, and should keep their personal biases out of the classroom.
Protect Taxpayer Dollars
Coast's own finances are in trouble. Students and taxpayers deserve to know their dollars are being spent wisely. As a Planning Commissioner and former Finance Commissioner, Austin understands the importance of responsible budgeting, long-term financial planning, and public transparency. He will look at all spending, protect taxpayer dollars, and prioritize resources that directly support students, classrooms, and career programs.
Get Involved
Sign up for campaign updates and volunteer opportunities.