Foundation for California Community Colleges

Equity & Community impact: distribute hundreds of millions in statewide emergency relief dollars through partnerships with California state agencies, which rapidly connects californians with public resources and benefits to address crucial needs such as childcare, higher education savings plans, and pandemic-related hardships. Operate programs which provide quality resources and basic needs support to help individuals overcome barriers such as food and housing security and mental health challenges, including through student ambassador programs which train leaders in peer-to-peer outreach. Provide direct support to groups who have been historically underserved by higher education, including undocumented students, foster youth, lgbtq+ individuals, and more. Conduct programs and public awareness campaigns to increase participation in programs related to environmental equity, clean energy, and transportation, and which directly benefit Colleges, students, and their communities.

Systems support & services (includes collegebuys): distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and thousands in emergency aid for Community college students to remove financial barriers and provide support in times of recovery from natural disasters, economic disruption, or other unimagined challenges. Develop and manage systemwide tools, resources, and services, and provide a hub for collaboration for Colleges and mission-aligned partners to navigate and coordinate within a large and decentralized system. Operate the aggregate purchasing program on behalf of the California Community Colleges, which provides hundreds of millions in cost savings to Colleges to be reinvested in student success, and to students to ensure they have the technology and educational resources they need to learn. Provide fiscal sponsorship and management services to mission-aligned partners to help incubate, scale, and sustain creative endeavors to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all californians.

Student success:provide professional development, research and policy support, and operate other programs and services which accelerate student certificate and degree attainment, and transfer rates across the California Community Colleges. Support the California Community Colleges as they implement student success reforms to streamline curriculum pathways, close equity gaps, and improve economic outcomes for diverse student populations.

Workforce development and climate action:design and operate programs which provide opportunities for californians to enter the workforce prepared for rewarding careers and to meet the state's future economic challenges and opportunities. Facilitate work-based learning opportunities, including paid internships and apprenticeships, for high school and college students. Provide technical assistance to help statewide partnerships develop programs and responsive training innovations that better prepare California's workforce to meet the needs of our evolving economy. Secure resources and provide direct support to Community Colleges to leverage their existing strengths in sustainability leadership, workforce development for climate-ready careers, and Community engagement for climate resilience.