The Campaign for College Opportunity, one of California’s leading higher education advocacy groups, has welcomed Jessie Ryan as its new president. With 19 years of experience at the campaign, Ryan is determined to continue the organization’s work on improving the college transfer process and expanding financial aid.
Ryan’s personal journey, growing up with a single mother who emphasized the importance of a college education, has shaped her priorities. She understands the struggles that many community college students face, such as navigating financial aid and transfer requirements. Her goal is to advocate for policies that support students in overcoming these challenges and achieving academic success.
One of the key initiatives that the campaign has supported is Assembly Bill 705, which allows community college students to skip remedial classes and access transfer-level coursework. While progress has been made, there is still opposition to these reforms. Ryan believes that the next step is to focus on equitable access to college-level courses for STEM and ESL students through co-requisite programs.
In terms of improving transfer opportunities to the University of California, Ryan acknowledges that more can be done. While AB 1291 created a pilot program for transfer students to UCLA, she believes that this is just the beginning. The campaign aims to push for broader adoption of the associate degree for transfer to ensure that all community college students have a pathway to UC campuses.
Regarding Cal Grant reform, Ryan is exploring alternative funding sources to support the Cal Grant Equity Framework. By thinking creatively about funding options, she hopes to expand financial aid access for students across the state. Early conversations with the California Student Aid Commission have focused on potential new sources of revenue, such as taxes dedicated to funding financial aid.
In addition to her focus on transfer and financial aid issues, Ryan is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion efforts within the California State University system. She highlights the importance of inclusive hiring practices and initiatives to support Black and Latinx student success. By working with CSU campuses to implement high-impact practices, Ryan aims to ensure that all students receive a quality educational experience.
Overall, Jessie Ryan’s leadership at the Campaign for College Opportunity signals a continued commitment to advocating for policies that support student success, improve the college transfer process, and expand financial aid opportunities in California’s higher education system.
