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Publications & Research
Collaboration, Not Competition: Shifting Philanthropic Approaches to Movement Building for Equity
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequities and brought about monumental new challenges for California’s students and educational institutions. In May 2020, College Futures Foundation virtually convened a group of nine grantee organizations seeking space to make sense of the pandemic’s early impact on postsecondary students and systems. Over the following months, as the pandemic deepened inequities in students’ lives and reinforced the need for responsive policy intervention, the Foundation reconsidered how its state policy-focused grantmaking strategy could serve as a vehicle to support movement-building in higher education in California. Read more >
Vlogcast/Podcast
Episode EightReimagining Postsecondary Education and Economic Mobility with College Futures Foundation
At College Futures Foundation, we believe that to achieve the inclusive economy and society we dream of for Californians, we must leave the status quo behind. We must reimagine the future of work and learning to unlock opportunities for economic mobility for learners in our state – an aim we aspire to accomplish through the implementation of our new strategic framework. Join Eloy Ortiz Oakley, our president & CEO, and Dr. Elizabeth González, our chief program & strategy officer, as they discuss the why behind College Futures’ shift in strategy and answer questions about the year ahead and potential partnership opportunities. Read more >
Press Releases & Announcements
CA’s Future Reimagined: A Bold Leap Forward with College Futures’ New Strategic Direction
Dear Partners and Friends, It is with great enthusiasm and eagerness that we reach out to you today to announce our new strategic direction and invite you into the process of reimagining education and socioeconomic mobility. At College Futures Foundation, we believe in the power of innovation and collaboration, which are crucial elements of our Read more >
News & Commentary
Our Socio-Economic Mobility Imperative
College as we knew it is dead. But a postsecondary education is more necessary than ever. You can’t get a good job without a postsecondary education. Colleges and universities aren’t keeping up with the changing times and attitudes when it comes to preparing and connecting learners to the workforce. College debt has become everybody’s problem. Read more >
Press Releases & Announcements
College Futures Foundation Welcomes Kailesh Karavadra and Tim Yamauchi to Board of Directors
This December, Kailesh Karavadra and Tim Yamauchi joined the College Futures Foundation board of directors. Karavadra brings a unique global business perspective and economic justice mindset to his worldwide work. Born in Uganda, Karavadra left Africa as a refugee and was raised in both India and the United Kingdom. His decades-long career in the financial Read more >
Vlogcast/Podcast
Episode SevenThe What and Why of Governor Newsom’s Career Education Executive Order
With the Newsom Administration in its final term, it’s time for all of us to come together and reengineer inherited education systems that were not built for our students and families to succeed, says Ben Chida, the governor’s senior advisor for Cradle to Career. Chida stopped by Opportunity Forum with College Futures to discuss Governor Newsom’s latest executive order on career education and his plan to leverage billions of dollars in investments to prepare learners for the workforce of tomorrow. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president & CEO of College Futures Foundation, hosts.
This episode was recorded on October 18, 2023. Read more >
Vlogcast/Podcast
Episode SixCourageously Advancing Racial Equity Post-SCOTUS
How does the work to advance racial equity continue after the latest SCOTUS rulings on race-conscious admissions? Host Eloy Ortiz Oakley discusses lessons learned under Prop 209, today’s legal climate, and opportunities for higher education leaders and advocates with Thuy Thi Nguyen, partner at Garcia Hernández Sawhney, and Jessie Ryan, executive vice president at The Campaign for College Opportunity. Read more >
News & Commentary
College Futures Foundation Welcomes New Chancellor of the California State University, Dr. Mildred García
The California State University Board of Trustees has named Dr. Mildred García as the next chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system. With this selection, Dr. García (pictured right) becomes the first Latina to assume the position of chancellor for the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university. With almost 130,000 annual graduates Read more >
Vlogcast/Podcast
Episode FiveWhat’s Next for the California State University? A Conversation with Interim CSU Chancellor Dr. Jolene Koester
Host Eloy Ortiz Oakley continues his conversation series with the current leaders of California’s public higher education systems. On this episode of Opportunity Forum with College Futures, Eloy and Dr. Jolene Koester, interim chancellor of the California State University, discuss enrollment trends across the 23-campus system, expanding access for transfer students and adult learners, and the CSU’s commitment to hiring and supporting diverse leaders. This episode was recorded on June 2, 2023. Read more >