2026 Pathway Champions Awards

Every year, the Campaign for College Opportunity honors California Community Colleges and California State University (CSU) campuses that are breaking barriers so more students can transfer and graduate with a degree. 

Hosted by Dr. Feliza Ortiz-Licon, Executive Vice President of the Campaign for College Opportunity, this year’s celebration recognized 32 California colleges and universities as 2026 Pathway Champions, presenting more than 40 awards for their leadership in removing barriers and accelerating student success.

The program featured remarks from Assemblymember David Alvarez; Dr. Rowena Tomaneng, Deputy Chancellor of the California Community Colleges; Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College; Dr. José Gómez, President of Pasadena City College; Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, President of San Joaquin Delta College; Sandra Temores, Senior Director of Enrollment Services at San Diego State University; and Valerie Roberts, Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean at the College of the Siskiyous. Student leaders Domaris Cid, a Fresno City College alumna who transferred to UCLA, and Rodrigo Rojas Garfias, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Cal State Student Association, grounded the celebration in students’ lived experiences navigating California’s higher education and transfer systems.

Together, the speakers underscored the importance of removing systemic barriers, strengthening transfer pathways, and accelerating progress toward equitable college completion. The celebration concluded with remarks from Monica Martinez, Program Director for College Success at the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, whose partnership and support have helped the Campaign advance this critical work.

In order for California to thrive, students need clear and equitable pathways to and through higher education completion. Today, while 64% of California students attend a community college, only 19% of transfer-intending students do so after four years. For Latinx and Black students, the rates are just 16% and 13%, respectively.

The Pathway Champions are colleges and universities that are boldly addressing systemic barriers that block opportunity for students by:

• Strengthening the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) so more students reach the CSU with an associate degree, junior standing, and an expedited path to their four-year degree
• Implementing equitable placement reforms (AB 705 & 1705, Irwin) that maximize success in transfer-level courses that count toward college credit.