Higher Education
Erase the barriers college students face in California
Our goal? To ensure California provides all students the opportunity to access and graduate from its three public systems: the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges.
Our advocacy reflects the needs and voice of students—especially low-income and first-generation students, English-language learners, students of color, and working adults. We have been fighting for justice in K-12 education for more than 45 years. Our expansion into Higher Education is the natural evolution of Public Advocates’ commitment to opening opportunity for young people as they move into adulthood and build their lives.
Active Campaigns
Remedial Coursework Reform – AB 705
Community college students need to know about their right to be placed directly in transfer-level English and Math classes. Direct enrollment significantly increases students’ chances of completing college-level courses and transferring to a four-year college.
Cal Grant Overhaul
The Cal Grant financial aid program is the largest and most generous in the country, but it is overly complex, does not align with the federal program, and lacks a focus on equity.
Cradle-to-Career Data System
The proposed Cradle-to-Career Data System aims to link existing education, workforce, financial aid, and social service information to better equip policymakers, educators, and the public to address disparities in opportunities and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.
Earlier Campaigns
Higher Education Access
Raising questions about access and student aid in colleges and universities as well as for-profit school regulation.
