California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy has been awarded a Spark Grant to help address the growing issue of student basic needs insecurity in California’s colleges and universities. Their project integrates education, workforce development, and a systems approach to streamline access to crucial resources including CalFresh and Medi-Cal. By using data-driven insights and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the project will directly benefit students, particularly those from low-income and underserved communities.

“This initiative represents a shift in how public services are delivered to students,” Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager for Student Basic Needs at the Michelson 20MM Foundation said. “It will remove barriers and allow students to focus on their education rather than navigate complex systems.” 

Addressing Barriers to Public Benefits Access

The Linking Benefits and Data to Support the Whole Student project is crucial for students facing food insecurity. It aims to take on the barriers preventing an estimated 400,000–700,000 eligible students from accessing CalFresh. The barriers include complex application processes, siloed systems, and a lack of awareness. To do so, California Competes will engage key stakeholders to create student-centered solutions that improve access and reduce administrative burdens.

A Scalable and Replicable Model

The project’s vision for the use of the Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System provides a foundation for future success. California Competes’ work addresses challenges experienced across the state. By focusing on the data system and integrating state-wide public benefits information, they will provide actionable insights for policymakers and higher education institutions. This approach not only benefits California students but also sets a replicable model for other states to follow.

“This systems-level approach can help ensure that no student is left behind due to bureaucratic hurdles,” Dr. Hoang shared. “Once California sets the standard for a holistic, cross-system model, other states will be able to leverage this real-time, equity based data, decision making approach.”

Coalition Building for Systemic Change

As part of this initiative, California Competes will establish a coalition to advocate for policy changes that streamline public benefits access. This coalition will bring together policymakers, student advocacy groups, and public benefits administrators. Together they will reduce inefficiencies, enhance collaboration, and promote systemic change in how public services are delivered to students.

The coalition will advocate for policies such as categorical eligibility, automatic enrollment, and the integration of public benefits data into the Cradle-to-Career Data (C2C) system. These efforts have the potential to improve access to resources for students statewide and could become a model for other regions.

A Three-Phased Approach to Holistic Student Support

Linking Benefits and Data to Support the Whole Student will be characterized by three key main efforts:

1. Landscape Analysis: A thorough examination of public benefits access for students, identifying barriers and opportunities.
2. Coalition Formation: The creation of a plan to launch a coalition and engage key stakeholders in an advisory board.
3. Data Integration: A comprehensive review of the C2C Data System, focusing on identifying gaps and integrating the data elements needed to understand student basic needs.

Advocacy, Policy Impact, and the Long-Term Standard

By streamlining enrollment processes, automatic eligibility determination, and integrating public benefits data, the project will support evidence-based policymaking that promotes student success. California Competes will work closely with the coalition to advocate for legislative changes and secure funding to ensure long-term sustainability. These efforts will aim to create a more inclusive infrastructure for students, supporting economic mobility and workforce readiness statewide.

By leveraging partnerships, data, and student voices, California Competes is setting a new standard for how public benefits and higher education systems can work together to improve student outcomes.

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About the Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

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