CA Community Colleges Awarded for Innovation in Student Success

Thirteen California community colleges and districts were selected to receive the Awards for Innovation in Higher Education, a program run by the CA Department of Finance that recognizes higher education efforts to reduce the time it takes for students to complete degrees and credentials and increase college affordability. The 2016-17 state budget, released in January, allocated $25 million for the awards, which were announced April 3.

Committee members considered a variety of innovations, but gave preference to innovations that improve outcomes for historically underrepresented student groups, including low-income students; first-generation college students; students from underrepresented minority groups; students who are current or former foster youth; students with disabilities; and veterans, according to the awards announcement. Community colleges and districts using technology in innovative ways were also given preference.

The awards committee is led by Michael Cohen, director of the CA Department of Finance, who serves as the committee chairperson. It comprises four members selected by Governor Jerry Brown; an appointee of the Senate Committee on Rules; and an appointee of the speaker of the CA Assembly.

The committee selected the following applications to receive awards of $1 million:

The following will receive $2 million awards:

Further information is available on the CA Department of Finance site.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

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