At College Futures Foundation, we believe that rebuilding the California Dream means ensuring more people—especially those who’ve long been underserved—can achieve meaningful economic mobility through postsecondary education. To meet our goal of 70% attainment for learners who are underserved, we must expand our view of who postsecondary education is for and how it works.

Today, a growing number of Californians pursuing education are over 25, balancing work, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Yet they often face systems designed for an outdated idea of the traditional student. At the same time, many 18–24-year-olds—especially those from low-income backgrounds—share similar challenges. By designing more flexible, personalized, and career-connected pathways for adult learners, we can create a better system for all students. Supporting working adults is not a departure from serving younger learners—it’s a way to improve outcomes across the board.

We’re often asked if this focus on adult learners means we’re stepping away from California’s public colleges and universities. The answer is no. These institutions remain central to our mission—they are where most learners begin and where they should be able to thrive. But they must evolve.   At the same time, there are other institutions and models—some designed specifically with working learners in mind—that offer valuable lessons and approaches. Many public actors are committed to serving these learners, but they’re often constrained by legacy systems and unable to move quickly enough to meet growing demand. We need to create the conditions that allow for innovation and evolution across the field.

Meeting the needs of today’s students, whether 18 or 48, requires rethinking how, when, and where learning happens. Because when our systems reflect the realities of learners’ lives, we don’t just open doors—we help ensure California remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.