Our California

One of the most important investments our state made was in the California Master Plan for Higher Education of 1960, which created historic access to a world-class college education for all Californians, catapulting the Golden State to become a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship with one of the largest economies in the world. California’s population has more than doubled, becoming more racially diverse than the Master Plan could have foreseen. Our state’s industries have evolved, now requiring advanced education, technical know-how, and global savvy. The demand of these new industries will soon outgrow the supply of California’s current workforce.

With declining standards of living, an aging talent pipeline, and a looming college degree shortage, The Campaign released a groundbreaking blueprint in 2018, calling on California’s next Governor to lead on higher education issues. We spurred state, student, community, civil rights, and business leaders to envision a California where all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or ZIP code, have the skills and education they need to be upwardly mobile, participate in the workforce and contribute to civic life.

Since then, with the support of courageous legislative leaders, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Governor Gavin Newsom, The Campaign has proudly ushered in transformative, student-centered change.