Every Voice Shines New Light

The value of an idea increases exponentially when it’s shared. From our staff, partners and grantees to the people impacted by their efforts, each perspective offers new insight into the critical issues at the heart of our work.

Perspectives by Monica Martinez

Perspectives That Match Filter Criteria

Student conversing with her high school counselor

Supporting Students in Their College Journey

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

SoCal CAN Played a Lead Role in Organizing Groups to Respond to the FAFSA Crisis

Through collaborative partnerships with over 60 groups, SoCal CAN has amplified the voices of students impacted by this year’s FAFSA complications and served as a critical bridge between policymakers and community organizations.

The release of the new “simpler” Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier this year caused unprecedented chaos. A three-month delay and ongoing technical issues left students and families struggling…

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A college graduate photographed after receiving her diploma

Expanding Access to a Bachelor’s Degree for More Students

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

Checking in with two leaders blazing paths to equity in higher education

Countless students in California and nationwide face real barriers navigating to and through college.

There is no question that what happens in November will have huge implications when it comes to education policy and investments at all levels of government. This year’s problems with the Federal Application for Stu…

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Closeup of a graduation cap that reads "Paving the way for my familia and comunidad. Educated mujer first gen" Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Degrees of Difference

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

Research Shows the Need to Reduce Barriers to a Bachelor's Degree in California

Despite a bachelor's degree being the big equalizer in society, research shows that significant disparities for Black, Latino, and Native American students persist when it comes to college access and degree completion in California.

With tuition outpacing inflation and the costs for student housing, books, and other necessities on the rise, students and families are questioning the value of a college degree. As a recent article in The New York…

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Black UC Berkeley students gathered outside the Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center on campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Black Community Space at Cal

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

UC Berkeley center enables Black students to find community and support

A conversation with Takiyah Jackson, director of the Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center.

When Takiyah Jackson was walking around the UC Berkeley campus recently with her five-year-old son, he asked why there were so few Black people on the campus. “If that’s the first question in a five-year-old’s mind,…

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