Jessie Ryan on What California Must Do to Reach Its 2030 College Completion Goal

Publication: Sacramento Business Journal
Authors: Jessie Ryan, President, Campaign for College Opportunity, and Yolanda Watson Spiva, President, Complete College America

Campaign for College Opportunity President Jessie Ryan and Complete College America President Yolanda Watson Spiva argue that California can still meet its goal of 70% of adults earning a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030, but reaching it will require a stronger focus on college completion and equitable pathways. They outline five areas for continued action: strengthening dual enrollment, improving developmental education, recognizing prior learning, simplifying transfer, and addressing students’ basic needs. With more than 1.3 million additional Californians still needing to earn a credential, they call on current and future state leaders to build on California’s progress, align investments with outcomes, and keep completion at the center of the state’s higher education agenda.