Dear Friends,

As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on what I see every day on our campuses. Students are balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, and they continue to push forward with a determination that deserves to be met with systems built to support them. Their experiences remind us why racial equity must remain at the center of higher education. Too many students are still navigating barriers that have nothing to do with their talent and everything to do with long-standing inequities. 

This moment calls for clarity and courage. Across the country, we are watching colleges and universities face growing pressure to step away from diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. These national shifts carry real consequences for students. When equity work is weakened, opportunity narrows, and the very students who rely on these supports feel the impact first. 

California has the chance not just to lead but to lead differently. The Campaign for College Opportunity is driving transformative solutions that expand college access, strengthen student pathways, boost student success, and advance economic justice. This work is more than policy—it's practical, life-changing work. It shows up in clearer transfer pathways, fairer placement practices, and the support that turns student aspirations into college completion and lifetime opportunity. 

In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights of the significant progress made in recent months, progress that brings us closer to a future where every student has a genuine opportunity to earn a college degree and secure lasting economic stability for themselves and their families. 

The Campaign’s impact is possible because of a community that continues to believe in racial equity and economic justice and understands what they mean for the future of our state. As we look ahead, I invite you to renew your commitment and stand up for students. An end-of-year gift helps ensure the Campaign can continue opening doors, strengthening pathways, and standing firmly with every student who seeks a better future. 

Thank you for believing in this work and for believing in our students. 

DR. EDWARD C. BUSH

CHAIR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As a challenging year draws to a close, we look ahead with hope and pride in the progress made together. The Campaign for College Opportunity team has advanced meaningful policy priorities that strengthen safety for undocumented students, expand supports for student parents, and open doors to financial aid for California’s most vulnerable students. These victories remind us that change is possible and that with persistence and partnership, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive. After years of steadfast advocacy, we are celebrating major wins that light the path forward: 

• SB 1348 (Senator Limón) was signed into law, strengthening diverse representation and transparency in gubernatorial appointments.

• AB 1098 (Assemblymember Fong) and SB 638 (Senator Padilla) were also signed into law. Together, they establish a long-overdue interagency council where TK-12, higher education, and workforce systems will work in sync to support students for success in college and into the workforce.

The Campaign is grateful to stand united with partners like you who help make these student-centered successes possible. We hope to count on your support in 2026 to build on this momentum!

Class in Session: A Screening of ‘The Class’ 

THE CREST THEATRE

1013 K STREET

SACRAMENTO, CA 95814

JANUARY 13, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

Join the Campaign for College Opportunity on January 13, 2026 at the historic Crest Theater for Class in Session: A Screening of 'The Class.' The evening will feature a special screening of The Class, a powerful documentary series created by our partners at Three Frame Media, which follows six California high school students as they pursue their college dreams during the height of the pandemic. Following the screening, producers and cast members of the series will share insights in a panel discussion. This will be a chance to hear how advocates and leaders can remove barriers facing today’s students to ensure that higher education delivers its promise of opportunity for all.

In Case You Missed It:

In October, we hosted Pathway Champions: Celebrating Colleges Building Seamless Paths to Student Success, recognizing 40 California Community Colleges and California State University campuses for their leadership in equitable placement and Associate Degree for Transfer implementation. This celebration highlighted institutions that, against the odds, are removing barriers, strengthening transfer pathways, and expanding opportunities for thousands of students across the state. View the recording here

The Campaign was also proud to host Where Leadership Meets Law: Upholding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education, featuring California Attorney General Rob Bonta, higher education leaders, and advocates statewide. This timely conversation underscored California’s role in defending diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that define our nation and emphasized the urgency of leveraging data, partnerships, and bold leadership to continue to make college access and success possible for historically underserved students. View the recording here

Stay tuned to learn about our high-impact events planned for next year and how you can support. Sign up below to stay notified!

Thank You

We are grateful to the funders who make our work possible:

The Angell Foundation, The Ballmer Group, The Broad Foundation, California Community Foundation, College Futures Foundation, ECMC Foundation, The Gates Foundation, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, The Joyce Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and The Sobrato Family Foundation, Skyline Foundation.

Your generosity sustains our mission and strengthens our ability to fight for equity in higher education. When you make a year-end contribution, you help ensure that students have stronger access to a transformative college degree, that our higher education systems remain accountable, and that students stay at the center of California’s future.

Donate by the end of the year to help us build a more just and accessible higher education system in 2026.