Education & Workforce

Due to low financial-aid-application-completion rates, just 49 percent of foster youth at community colleges receive a Pell grant in their first year, and only 12 percent receive a Cal Grant. This bill (SB 860 Beall) requires the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program, under the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to describe how it will coordinate efforts to ensure completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application for 12th grade foster kids. As this legislation improves the chances of college and career success for foster youth, it aligns with the Leadership Group Education and Workforce portfolio priority to diversify the STEM pipeline. The bill passed.

The Leadership Group supported the appropriation of $10,000,000 to move this important policy priority forward by advocating with the Governor’s office directly. In order to identify gaps and evaluate the success of current and proposed programs, California needs a modernized education data system. The education omnibus bill appropriates $10,000,000 to establish the California Cradle-to-Career Data System Working Group. The Group will provide assessment, recommendations, and advice about a statewide data infrastructure that integrates data from state entities responsible for the education and workforce development of Californians at all levels.

Community College Roundtable: strategy meeting that linked community colleges and our member companies. We featured case studies of community college students and recent grads/transfers at work in living wage jobs, as well as long time partner Growth Sector’s work equipping students of color and women with work-ready skills. The information and lively conversation has led to over 25 active introductions between colleges and companies that are ready to engage job and internship seekers through 2021.