Who We Are
More college graduates for a thriving California
At College Futures Foundation, we believe there is nothing more transformative for individuals, our economy, and our society than educational opportunity, and that the pathway to a college degree should be clear and open to the diverse students of California.
Right now, that is not the case. Not all of our hardworking young people are getting a fair shot at a better life. The vast majority of our state’s K–12 students are of color and low-income, yet when it comes to graduates from our public universities, they are in the minority. At every step, these students face roadblocks. We are working to change that.
Ensuring the college success of students facing the most formidable barriers will help all of us thrive—our communities, economy, and state.
Our Mission
We work to ensure that more students who reflect California’s diversity complete a B.A. and access the opportunity for a better life. We believe this is best accomplished when California’s education system is designed to meet students’ needs, dedicated to fulfilling their aspirations, and ensures equitable outcomes.
Our Values
Equity
We are committed to equity and justice in our organization, our education system, and our state. Our collective well-being is improved when our society justly affords every person the dignity and opportunity we all deserve.
We work to realize a system that creates the opportunity for all students—including the low-income and brown and black students who make up the majority of California’s youth—to pursue the future of their dreams through education.
Courage
It takes courage and persistence to build a society that is equitable and just. We are inspired by the promise and potential of California’s young people—today’s students, tomorrow’s leaders. We support bold actions that will challenge the status quo and transform our education system into one that serves the next generation’s dreams of college and beyond.
Community
Building a better future for California is a collective project that requires collective action. We understand that we speak among a chorus of advocates and act among a movement of champions working toward the same goal.
We acknowledge the power and privilege afforded us as funders and strive to form thoughtful and authentic partnerships in this work. We recognize and value the strengths of our partners and our team, California’s students, and all those working to help them realize their dreams.
Curiosity
We approach our work with both passion and humility. We don’t have all the answers, and our work benefits when we learn from different perspectives and experiences. We work hard to earn the trust and respect of our partners so that they share their challenges and learning with us as, together, we create the equitable education system of the future so that all students can achieve their dreams.
Our Work
Established in 2005, College Futures Foundation uses a wide variety of human and financial resources and tools—including nearly $20 million in grants annually—to work toward our mission.
We partner with organizations and leaders across the state to catalyze systemic change, increase college degree completion, and close equity gaps so that the vision of a seamless, student-centered educational path to opportunity becomes a reality—one that’s available to every student, regardless of zip code, skin color, or income.
