The College Opportunity Pledge

During our current legislative visits, we are asking California state legislators to work with the Campaign on a bipartisan effort of policy solutions that will ensure that the next generations of Californians has a chance to go to college as promised by the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education.  Legislators will be asked to sign a "College Opportunity Pledge" based on shared principles that demonstrates thier commitment. Details of what is asked of the legislator are below:

1) I support the promise of the 1960 Master Plan to provide a place in college for every student who is eligible and seeks it.  I am aware that by 2014, 640,000 additional California students are likely to seek access to community college and university above our current capacity.[1]

2) I understand why it is so important to our families and our economy for California to renew its commitment to college access. California's college-age population is growing faster now than at any time since 1970[2], while at the same time our workforce is requiring greater numbers of college graduates to meet growing demand and to replace retiring Baby Boomers.

3) I support solutions for how California can provide college opportunity to a growing number of college-bound students.

      College Participation: I support higher education leaders developing a plan for accommodating this growing enrollment in consultation with policymakers.  I support the goal of increasing college participation rates in regions of the state and among ethnic groups that are underserved and which are, in fact, a rapidly growing part of the state.

     Efficiency and College Completion Rates: I will work to make sure that the path into, between, and through our high schools, community colleges, and universities is seamless.  I am aware that helping more students complete their educational goals results in better opportunities for students and a better return on investment for taxpayers.

    Long-Term Fee and Financial Aid Policy to Ensure Affordability: I support development of a long-term fee policy with gradual and predictable fee increases tied to gains in median household income and/or the cost of instruction.  I also support efforts to expand the availability of Cal Grant and campus-based grants, as well as to sign up more California students for federal aid to help students cover the total cost of attendance.

     State Investment in Higher Education: I am aware that over the past 30 years, higher education has dropped from 17.7% of the state budget to 12.7%[3].  I support the development of a financing plan by appropriate agencies to increase state investment in higher education to provide for access to college.

     Renewal of Our Commitment: California must provide earlier information about college opportunity to students, beginning in middle school.  In addition, I support the Governor and legislative leaders convening all California higher education segments every two years to review our progress toward meeting these goals of access and student success.

4)  I will work in a bipartisan manner with other legislators, executive branch leaders, and higher education leaders on solutions.  I will work with the Campaign for College Opportunity to identify solutions and to work with residents and leaders in my district and statewide.