For more than two decades, the Foundation has worked to support innovation and excellence in higher education. The Foundation’s impact reaches more than 2.1 million students across all 116 colleges, with several programs scaling nationally. 

As we continue to honor our 20 year anniversary, we are reflecting on the progress we have made and the partnerships we have built along the way. Throughout 2020, we will be sharing some of the bright spots along our journey through telling “20 Stories of Impact.” These defining moments highlight the work of our organization and recognize the partners in the public sector, philanthropy, and the individuals that have been essential to the success of our work.

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A CONVERSATION WITH LARRY TOY: FOUNDING PRESIDENT AND CEO

Dr. Toy, who founded the Foundation in 1998 and served as president and CEO through its first decade of service, shares the blueprints that guided his leadership and the ethos that informs the organization today.

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MAKING POSSIBILITY PERMANENT: A HISTORIC GIFT TO SUPPORT CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Bernard Osher Foundation’s historic pledge helped establish one of the largest community college scholarship endowments in its time – and one that continues to support students today.

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CENTRALIZED CLINICAL PLACEMENT SYSTEM: INCREASING NURSING ENROLLMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

In the early 2000s, the Bay Area found itself faced with a nursing shortage. Health care providers, nursing educators, and the Foundation responded, building a technology tool that would expand regional collaboration and go on to strengthen nursing education across the nation.

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THE CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL NETWORK: PARTNERING TO BUILD STRONG PATHWAYS TO EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS

High-quality out-of-school time learning and enrichment opportunities promote child and youth success, support working families, and increase positive community outcomes. The Foundation’s partnership with the California AfterSchool Network helps provide the state’s school-aged children and youth with a strong complement to their education.

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WORK-BASED LEARNING: A CATALYST FOR CAREER SUCCESS

Education promises a path to a better life for millions of Californians – a promise that is best fulfilled when classroom instruction is paired with hands-on application. Work-based learning provides this opportunity for students or learners starting in middle school, as well as those looking to make a mid-career change. For former student Nickolas Saldivar, a paid Student Assistant position offered through Career Catalyst provided a new start and confidence to get back into the workforce during the Great Recession.

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CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES HEALTH & WELLNESS

Today’s college students are juggling more responsibilities than ever before, including coursework, financial stress, caregiving, or living on their own for the first time – and with these responsibilities often comes high stress or anxiety, among other mental health challenges. In 2004, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office formalized a commitment to support the mental health and wellness of its students by providing resources and programs that reduce stigma and help them manage these stressors in order to focus on their educational goals.

The Foundation set up an anniversary fund to support learning technology for former foster youth. Each year, approximately 2,500 of California's foster youth between the ages of 18-21 "age out" of foster care and begin living on their own, many without support to transition into college or meaningful careers. California's foster youth receive wrap around support and other benefits while attending a California Community College, and more than 18,000 are currently enrolled. However, only 21% of California's urban foster youth have access to a computer at home and rural foster youth fair even worse at 5% according to the Pew Research Center.

The Learning Technology for Foster Youth campaign leveraged our CollegeBuys purchasing power to deliver technology kits with laptops, software, and California Connects mobile internet to students participating in the Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success—Independent Living Program (YESS-ILP). Students will be nominated by campus coordinators on the basis of need and promise.

Foster youth at our California Community Colleges need every opportunity to beat the odds. As a former foster youth, having my own laptop and wireless access made the difference between passing a class or failing. My first laptop was a refurbished laptop that was donated. I still own it. I succeeded because of the generosity and opportunities provided to me.

Daisy Gonzales, Deputy Chancellor, California Community Colleges

Due to generous donations from Foundation staff and the support of corporate partner Keenan & Associates, the campaign raised more than $23,000, surpassing our $20,000 goal to provide 18 YESS-ILP students with a laptop and accompanying suite of technology tools.