As a philanthropic organization working on behalf of California’s diverse students for equity of opportunity and outcomes, we believe that ensuring the college success of students facing the most formidable barriers will help all of us thrive—our families, communities, economy, society, and state.

By focusing our leadership and partnership efforts to catalyze systemic changes in higher education, we strive to create a clear pathway for low-income young people of color to attain bachelor’s degrees and achieve success in college and in life.

In 2018, College Futures Foundation announced a new strategic framework. This evolution of our strategy includes three interrelated strands that work together to catalyze systemic, sustainable changes so that educational and economic opportunity become realities for low-income students of color.

Student-centric Practices

Our focus starts with students—helping institutions to work on being student-ready and implement student-centered practices at scale.

Approach: Scale effective student-centered practices within and across institutions to ensure equitable student outcomes

Desired Outcome: K-12 and public higher education institutions embrace and scale student success policies and practices that ensure progress and smooth transitions between systems and segments

Leadership & Governance

Systems are of vital importance. Leadership and governance must coordinate across systems to align and institutionalize student pathways to degree.

Approach: Build commitment, capacity, and alignment across segments for equitable student outcomes through effective leadership and collaboration

Desired Outcome: Governing boards, system offices, and faculty governance structures institutionalize coordinated student pathways from high school through B.A.

Finance & Affordability

A sustainable financial scaffolding around it all is essential so that doors are open and degrees are affordable to CA’s diverse young people.

Approach: Contribute to the development of a sustainable higher education finance system that supports equitable student access and success

Desired Outcome: California’s higher education finance system is redesigned to provide institutional predictability in service to student affordability and completion

We work with student- and equity-focused leaders and organizations throughout California to put into action our shared vision of a seamless path to a college degree and a better life and share our commitment to advancing these outcomes.

For more information, visit our Strategy page.

Grant Reporting Requirements for Current Grantees

You can access reporting information and forms via the sidebar menu on this page. College Futures Foundation requires:

• Data on students affected by work undertaken with the Foundation’s grants. These include scholarship recipients and students impacted by our Community Philanthropy Initiative and any FAFSA, expanded financial aid guidance, and persistence and completion work supported by the Foundation.
• Narrative and financial reports from all grantee organizations. Please refer to your grant award letter for your reporting schedule.

All grantees receiving College Futures Foundation grants for scholarships are asked to review and abide by the Foundation’s Scholarship Award Policies.