California’s most influential leaders and organizations have come together to call on our next Governor to develop a clear vision for higher education in California. Our next Governor must implement a set of key policies, reforms, and investments to meet a 60 percent college attainment goal and close racial equity gaps.

DOLORES HUERTA, CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER 

“This blueprint for California Educational Excellence to meet the challenges of the future will fulfill FranklinDelano Roosevelt’s vision that Education is the soul of thenation and the basis for a prosperous, just democracy.”

 THOMAS A. SAENZ, MALDEF
PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL 

“To continue to thrive and lead, California must address and make serious progress in closing equity gaps in college degree completion. Our next governor must make this a top priority — with well-coordinated planning, committed and swift change, and significant progress – or he will fail the future of our great state.”

DR. LUKE WOOD, SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION

“The Our California campaign represents a critical blueprint to guide student success in California’s higher education systems. Most importantly, this campaign prioritizes our most underserved students with the goal of holding our statewide leaders accountable for enhanced degree production, the establishment of plans for measurable progress, and most importantly, a commitment to closing the insidious racial gaps in California student outcomes. The campaign recognizes one central fact, we cannot improve California’s educational system without the voices of education, business, and community presenting a unified front that demands a better future for our state.”

ELISE BUIK, UNITED WAY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES PRESIDENT & CEO

“We know that providing high-quality education and pathways to college, that are affordable with support services, will generate the next educated workforce and beyond. While we can act and invest locally, this can become a reality through statewide action. We are proud to stand behind this collective effort to adopt a new vision for California’s higher education. We urge its consideration by state leadership and stand ready to support its implementation on a local level.”

 

 

ROB C. LAPSLEY, CALIFORNIA BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE PRESIDENT

“California’s future economy demands an educated and highly skilled workforce. To keep California’s competitive edge, 60% of its adults must have a degree or credential, yet today, only fewer than half do. The stakes are high and we can no longer do business as usual. If we want our state to grow jobs, California’s next governor must put forth a bold new vision for higher education, one that invests in key metrics for accountability that expand college access and achieves the 60% degree attainment goal.”

EMAN DALILI, FORMER BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEMBER

“Education is the movement from dark to light. There is no greater tool in the arsenal of humanity than the power of education. California understands this, and our California Community Colleges are fully committed to providing the accessibility, affordability, and quality for every student in the Golden State (and beyond). That’s why I’m joining the campaign because I understand that the only way to continue flourishing as a State is with a Governor who puts our education first. California is the home of dreams, and it is vital to our great nation to continue aspiring— and I look forward to a Governor who dreams with us.”

CALIFORNIA ORGANIZATION ENDORSERS 

California Association of Latino Community College Trustees & Administrators (CALCCTA)
Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
Fulfillment Fund
James Irvine Foundation
Los Amigos of Orange County
NextGen California
San Deigo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Southwestern Community College District Board of Trustees
Student Senate for California Community Colleges
Weingart Foundation

CALIFORNIA LEADER ENDORSERS