Amplifying Our Work Across Sectors
Over the past month, FoundationCCC staff have been actively representing our organization at a series of important conferences and events, furthering our mission, building key partnerships, and learning from leaders across sectors.
At the 17th Annual California Community Colleges Purchasing Conference, organized by the FoundationCCC CollegeBuys program, our team connected with corporate partners and procurement professionals from across the system. The event provided a platform for professional development, networking, and an opportunity to explore innovative solutions that support cost savings and operational efficiencies across campuses. Learn more and view photos >
Two FoundationCCC Collaborative Impact partners, the California AfterSchool Network and ASAPConnect, led sessions at the BOOST Conference, the largest, most recognized, and comprehensive global convening for after school, expanded learning, and in and out-of-school time professionals. The event brought together education leaders, policy advocates, and program staff committed to student success. CAN hosted six workshops on leveraging Expanded Learning (EXL) and Out-of-School (OST) programs to create the future our children, youth, and families deserve, with just and affirming spaces and opportunities that enrich, empower, educate, and elevate them. Additionally, CAN and ASAPConnect collaborated to support and host a pre-conference session with the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division and supported their annual state of Expanded Learning Town Hall.
Our staff engaged in conversations around equity, access, and support systems that help students thrive—key themes that align with our organizational goals of increasing student success, closing equity gaps, and fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments across California’s community colleges.
Barbara Webster-Hawkins, Vice President of Resource Development, and Elisa Smith, Senior Director of Strategic Communications and External Affairs, represented FoundationCCC at the Social Innovation Summit on June 3–4 in San Francisco. This global convening of cross-sector changemakers focused on transformative ideas in technology, equity, and community impact. Our leaders gained insights on social innovation strategies that will inform our work in uplifting California’s community colleges. The event also provided an opportunity to connect with mission-aligned partners and explore emerging trends that can help amplify our statewide impact.
The 7th Annual Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN) Leadership Conference, held on May 9 at Santa Monica City College, was an inspiring event to celebrate and empower men of color in the California Community College system. The event emphasized culturally responsive practices and community-driven approaches to supporting student achievement. Featuring a dynamic lineup of speakers, the conference was highlighted by a powerful keynote address delivered by Dr. Monte E. Pérez, Interim President of East Los Angeles College. Throughout the day, the importance of elevating diverse masculinities and building bridges across communities to promote understanding, equity, and transformative change remained a central focus.
As a Collaborative Impact Partner, MOCAN is closely aligned with FoundationCCC’s strategic goal to expand student access and success. The Collaborative Impact Program incubates, scales, and sustains creative endeavors to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all Californians.
Finally, the Undocumented Student Support team wrapped up a successful series of 10 regional meetings at colleges throughout the state. The events welcomed more than 200 attendees representing over 100 California community colleges, along with dedicated community partners and immigration legal service providers. These in-person gatherings strengthened relationships with campus partners and provided space for sharing resources and best practices to better serve undocumented students throughout the state.
By sharing insights, leading sessions, and connecting with peers across sectors, we’re amplifying our work and reinforcing our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and impact at the national level.
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