Campaign for College Opportunity

As part of the third session of the Student Leadership Institute, I got the chance to travel to Sacramento, California, on Monday, March 3rd. Being surrounded by passionate changemakers in the Capitol's hallways served as an active reminder of how activism and policy shape our communities. We had in-depth conversations on important topics throughout our tour, learning firsthand about the legislative process and the efforts being made to address major concerns facing our state. Meeting with policymakers, researching policy development, and honing our own viewpoints on change-making were all on our day's agenda. I really enjoyed listening to Jessie Ryan of the Campaign for College Opportunity, who gave insightful commentary on advocating for higher education and the significance of increasing access for students from underrepresented groups. She also shared her own background, highlighting the importance of lived experiences in shaping policy and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. Tasked with creating our own policy agenda, Two crucial areas that I wanted to include in my “Passion in Policy” assignment were: California's State-Level Policy on Homelessness and Housing Affordability to address the pressing need for long-term, sustainable solutions to the housing issue. Policy at the Federal Level: Criminal Justice Reform & Ending Mass Incarceration — Promoting all-encompassing changes to establish a fairer and more equal system. I created a three-page policy proposal and an elevator pitch detailing these themes as part of the assignment. My resolve to use policy as a vehicle for systemic change was strengthened by this experience, and I appreciate the knowledge this trip has given me. I am incredibly grateful to my classmates for the motivational discussions along the way and to the Campaign for College Opportunity for offering this priceless opportunity. I'm excited to keep up this journey into policy development and legislative work.

The administration is slashing nearly 50% of the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce, one of many dire threats that impact education for first-gen, low-income, and historically underserved Latinx, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native students. "This is a catalyzing moment for California to lead and unify through student-centered higher education coordination. This moment necessitates that leaders nationwide be clear with students and families that no disruption or executive order will undo our collective commitment to justice, college access, and student success,” says President Jessie Ryan. View resources: https://buff.ly/UhETYuN

??? Each day I live, I want to be, a day to give, the best of me… For Executive Vice President Dr. Feliza Ortiz-Licon (Ella/She/Her), One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston is an anthem of resilience, self-belief, and stepping into leadership with purpose. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who break barriers, uplift community, and ensure students of all backgrounds have access to opportunity. This is our Moment in Time to lead boldly and drive education equity. ??

TICAS joins EdTrust West and the Campaign for College Opportunity in calling for public transparency and accountability as CA policymakers explore how to offset a $103m administrative error for the Middle Class Scholarship. This is the second year an error has occurred. Our recommendations: ?Transparency & accountability for how and from where money will be spent to cover this error; ?Streamline the program and update it to make it more equitably designed; ?Innovative investment in solutions for college affordability in the FY25-26 CA budget. If unresolved, this error will result in a $330 average decrease for MCS recipients. Read our statement: https://buff.ly/YLCU3gT

Yesterday, media outlets reported that the president was ready to sign an executive order to begin closing the U.S. Department of Education. The collective voice of advocates was able to delay the order, and though we are relieved, we must stay vigilant. To education and policy leaders everywhere: These moments of instability require our courage. Students must see us as upstanders against injustice and unequivocally committed leaders who will confront fear-mongering tactics and attempts to weaponize education into a tool of segregation and elitism. The fact remains that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is vital in providing the funding, programs, data, civil rights enforcement, financial aid access, and national coordination necessary to prepare the next generation of students who will power our democracy and economy. We must call these actions for what they are: a thinly veiled effort to break our spirits as they continue their attempts to rob our nation’s most vulnerable students—first-generation, low-income, Latinx, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native students—from their constitutional right to an education free of barriers. Read more: https://buff.ly/XoMZmGE

“As we reflect on the legacy of student activism in our country, on today’s anniversary of the historic Los Angeles Walkouts, we reject this administration’s unconstitutional attempts to silence students. America’s colleges and universities have long been bedrocks of our democracy in practice. Attempting to restrict federal funding from colleges and universities undermines what is core to our country’s DNA: all students deserve the freedom to safely engage in protest and debate as they exercise their constitutional right to free speech,” says President Jessie Ryan. #WeStandwithStudents

?? “Saving nickles, saving dimes Working 'til the sun don't shine Looking forward to happier times On Blue Bayou…” ?? For President Jessie Ryan, Blue Bayou by the trailblazing Latina superstar Linda Ronstadt is more than just a song—it’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and the dream for a better life. Raised by a struggling single mother, Jessie saw firsthand the challenges of food insecurity and homelessness. But through it all, her mother’s unwavering belief in the power of education shaped her path forward. This Women’s History Month, we honor the strength of the women who paved the way before us—those who, even in the hardest of times, found the courage to dream, fight, and sing their way toward a better future. ?? Listen here: https://buff.ly/p4llRxR

"We know that human potential is not related to race, ethnicity, class, or gender. Yet, for that potential to be fully realized depends heavily on the distribution of socially and culturally constructed opportunities." – Christopher Edley, Jr. Though Black History Month may be ending soon, we will always continue celebrating Black trailblazing leaders. Our latest publication is a tribute to Christopher Edley, Jr.’s lifelong commitment to ensuring equal opportunity in education for all students. Read more on his bold call to action for policymakers, educators, and advocates to construct student-centered change: https://lnkd.in/gPk_FTAm

Are you passionate about higher education, racial equity, and policy advocacy? We’re looking for three dedicated fellows to join our Policy Team! ?? ?? Policy & Advocacy Fellow ?? Legislative Affairs Fellow ?? Policy Impact Fellow Gain hands-on experience in legislative strategy, policy research, advocacy, and building key relationships to drive change in higher education. ????? ?? Must be based in California—some roles include travel to Sacramento. ?? Apply now and be part of the cause for college opportunity: https://buff.ly/grUOFL2

Shout out to our partners at EdTrust-West for publishing an equity alert outlining key actions that state, local, k-12, and higher ed leaders can take to support students who are immigrants, undocumented, or of a mixed-status family. California continues to thrive because of the contributions of people who have moved from all corners of the world to make California their home. We must continue to stand strong in our commitment to protecting students. Every student deserves access to education in a safe and welcoming environment—free from fear, full of opportunity. ?? Read more: https://buff.ly/4bg5oZd