An extensive review process has helped us identify 15 practices to highlight for wider attention, as well as identify key themes and recommendations.  Please don't miss the opportunity to learn about unique strategies that are expanding college opportunity for California students.

This briefing was intended for media, policymakers, K-12, community college and university educators, and community and civic leaders concerned about education.

In this telephone briefing, we discussed:

• The major findings and recommendations based on the 120 submission received
  
• The 15 practices highlighted in the report and heard in-dept from Math Jam (Pasadena City College) and Headstart on College (Las Positas College)
  
• Policies and strategies for how these solutions can be adopted across California

     Check back soon for a link to the recorded conversation including Q&A.

How were submissions handled?

The deadline for submitting practices was February 23, 2007. 

We encouraged California educators, policymakers, or affiliated representatives to submit a summary of a working solution or practice that has improved college opportunity for California’s students. Entries had to show effectiveness in improving access, success, affordability, or efficiency in higher education. All submissions that met basic eligibility criteria are being recognized, with at 15 outstanding receiving special recognition.

Over the next decade, California will face a growing college-age population as well as increasing demands for highly-educated workers. Against this backdrop, California educators are implementing important solutions to provide better college opportunities for our residents. Some of these efforts entail new innovations, while others rely on solid execution of well-practiced ideas. Some happen within one institution, others across institutions. The Campaign for College Opportunity wants to thank and recognize the educators who are making these improvements happen, but also disseminate these working solutions to other educators, the media and state policymakers.

Across all the areas listed, we are interested in efforts that are effective in meeting project goals, promoting equity in reaching California's diverse populations, and making efficient use of resources.

1)  Access and participation – Efforts to improve access to college and increase participation rates – for example among recent high school graduates and young adults or among underrepresented populations.

2)  Student success and completion – Efforts to increase retention and help students reach their educational goals including completion of degrees, certificates, transfer and workforce programs.

3)  Affordability – Efforts to make college affordable for students and families through fee, financial aid, and other support programs, including the use of campus, state and federal resources.

4)  Efficiency – Efforts to maximize the use of campus and state resources to provide college opportunity – for example through effective use of data to inform educational practices.

A teacher, faculty member, staff member, administrator, trustee, student or other person affiliated with any  following institutions in California could make a submission: K-12, California Community College, California State University, University of California, independent college, proprietary institution, or student aid organization. Researchers, foundation staff, and civic and community leaders familiar with specific efforts of educational institutions may make a submission. Entries could be campus level, district or regional level, or statewide. In addition, we particularly encouraged entries representing local and statewide efforts between segments of education. 

If you are reporter and would like to participate in the call or to get more information, please contact Blake Ulveling at blake@collegecampaign.org or call the Campaign's Oakland office at 510-645-1362 and ask for Blake.