Nourishing Minds: The Vital Role of CalFresh Benefits in Supporting College Students

National Nutrition Month Nourishing Minds: The Vital Role of CalFresh Benefits in Supporting College Students

By Dr. Queena Hoang

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to highlight healthy eating’s critical role in our lives. For college students, nutrition isn’t just sustenance—it fuels the mind for academic success and bodily well-being. Food insecurity—defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food—plagues many college students. It makes nutritious meals harder to access. A new study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) found:

  • 50% of surveyed California college students experienced food insecurity, including 28% who skipped meals due to cost.
  • Over 70% of students at California community colleges reported food insecurity, followed by >50% of Cal State students and 42% of UC students.
  • Among food-insecure students who heard of CalFresh but never used it, the main reasons were believing they were ineligible (50.3%), not knowing how to apply (27.8%), and lacking time to apply (14.4%).

Food Insecurity on College Campuses

Not only during National Nutrition Month but also throughout the year, food insecurity—the lack of consistent access to healthy foods—has impacted college campuses for years. Recently it has worsened due to rising prices. Good nutrition may be affordable for some, but healthy choices come at a hefty price for others. UCLA also found that hunger and food insecurity are significantly higher among college students (44%) than U.S. households (13%). Stress over not knowing where their next meal will come from can lead to poor academic performance. It can also cause increased mental health issues, and the tough choice between food and a college degree. Without proper nutrition, students struggle to concentrate, retain information, and sustain the energy to succeed. 

The Importance of SNAP Benefits

CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. It provides monthly electronic benefits to low-income households to purchase food. CalFresh benefits help students buy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other essentials for a balanced diet. By easing grocery expenses, CalFresh enables students to focus on their studies instead of their next meal.

California has worked to help more eligible students receive CalFresh, such as by funding Basic Needs Centers for sign-up. However, efforts are hampered by a lack of understanding about eligibility and participation. Researchers from the California Policy Lab found that among students who were estimated to be eligible for CalFresh benefits, 26% of community college students received CalFresh benefits in the Fall of 2019. That is compared to 22% of UC undergraduate students and 27% of UC graduate students. This means about 100,600 students received CalFresh benefits, while an estimated 297,400 eligible students missed out on benefits, based on the California Policy Lab’s research. 

Advocacy and Awareness

In the last few years, California has provided funding for county human services agency liaisons to increase campus-county collaboration (Assembly Bill 1326). The state has also required colleges to provide information on CalFresh as part of their new student orientation (AB 543). Additionally, there is a mandate for a uniform template for colleges to use to notify students of their eligibility for CalFresh (SB 20). The state has also funded basic needs centers at community colleges (SB 129) and expanded the set of programs that count toward the “local programs to increase employability” exemption (AB 396), as the California Policy Labs reported. 

Despite the benefits and efforts, many eligible students remain unaware of CalFresh or hesitant to apply due to stigma or the belief that others are more in need. Higher education and community organizations can raise awareness, simplifying the application process, and advocate for policies that expand eligibility. Campus food pantries, nutrition workshops, and peer support programs can complement CalFresh benefits, creating a holistic approach to food insecurity.

This National Nutrition Month, let’s commit to ensuring all students have access to the nutrition they need to succeed. Supporting CalFresh and other food security initiatives invests in the future of our communities—one well-nourished mind at a time.

About Michelson 20MM

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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Little Black Dress and OER: Sticking with the Classics Doesn’t Go Out of Fashion

LBD and OER: Sticking with the classics doesn’t go out of fashion

By Cailyn Nagle

Just like the Little Black Dress (LBD), which has been a wardrobe essential for decades, foundational strategies in the open educational resources (OER) community are equally timeless and effective. While the silhouette, material, and styling has shifted with eras, the Little Black Dress remains a wardrobe-building keystone. Shifting from a conference presentation to an event gala context requires swapping out shoes and accessories, the LBD allows effortless transitions between day and night. As technology, governments, and society shifted the LBD remained. Sometimes, the classics are classics for a reason. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with returning to a time-trusted foundational piece.

Factors Contributing to the Decrease in OER Awareness

For the first time since Bay View analytics began reporting on OER awareness, fewer faculty knew about or used OER materials. The dip was small, but it marked a change in an over a decade-long trend. Contributing factors include administrators taking control of materials assigned in courses. In the past, Bay View has reported on the increasing number of administrators who are playing a larger role in deciding which course materials will be used. Another factor is the increasing prevalence of automatic textbook billing. Advocates and practitioners should push against these factors, but they are long-term battles. We can also make daily impacts through the choices and tactics we use in our programs. Like the LBD, the OER community can revisit and refresh some of the trusted basics.

Recruitment: An Eternal Effort

As a community organizer, I learned another acronym: ABC or Always Be (re)Cruiting. Due to natural attrition, the volunteer pool would eventually dry up without a steady flow of new people. Along with dedicated recruitment drives throughout the year, recruitment was also an ongoing process. We cast a wide net with strong marketing and outreach, including follow-up and onboarding year-round, and incorporating recruitment across all activities.

Ways to Increase OER Capacity and Resources

OER community, bandwidth, capacity, and resources often limit the ability to incorporate these strategies. Not every OER program has the capacity to knock on the faculty doors, hold one-on-one conversations, or access customizable OER marketing materials. There is no quick fix for capacity, but the Michelson 20MM Foundation has included the creation of marketing and outreach materials in this year’s OER Spark Grant focus areas. We hope grants will provide the resources programs need to create and share those materials.  

Consistent new members means organizing creates engaging experiences for long-time volunteers while welcoming and orienting newcomers. Volunteer activities, from door knocking to panel events, begin with a baseline explanation of goals and training. New attendees can follow along, even if 90% of the crowd are experienced volunteers. Some OER events and conferences have stepped back from strong 101 programming in favor of advanced conversations on pedagogy, deep research, and other fascinating topics. Deeper engagement is needed, but our community must also extend a ladder to new members. These new OER-curious practitioners need to build the knowledge base that strengthens our movement.

Understanding What Motivates the OER Community

What are axioms but the reiteration of a classic concept into a memorable phrase? In “Axioms of Organizers,” community organizer Fred Ross Sr. quipped: “It’s the way people are that matters, not the way you’d like them to be.” In the OER world, community members often share what inspires and motivates them about open education. For some, it’s creating culturally responsive materials. For others, it’s the blurring of the lines between student and educator through the active knowledge creation of open pedagogy. For others, it is the global collaboration OER enables. 

These are strong motivators, but when growing our movement, we must focus the messaging on what motivates the gatekeepers of policies and resources. A recent report from Ithaka’s Dr Ioana Hulbert, Deirdre Harkins, and Dr. Mark McBride, “Charting the Course-Case Studies in OER Sustainability,” offers insights on how OER programs can build, thrive, and survive. One key finding speaks to Ross’ axiom, “OER initiatives flourish when they align with institutional priorities and are framed as a tool that can address several goals beyond affordability, such as advancing equity, access, or instructional innovation.” 

This often means identifying existing priorities for institutional leaders and tailoring OER messaging to what speaks most clearly to them. This concept holds true beyond courting administrators focused on completion rates or legislators concerned with student savings. The OER community must strategically shift focus to recruit and build the movement—from student government leaders to bookstore managers to department heads.

A Timeless Reminder to Step Back and Focus on Our Goals

Truth be told, I have six little black dresses. They include a gold beaded one from the 1980s with a matching bolero jacket, a simple eyelet one from the Gap, and an A-line beatnik with pink trimming from the 1960s. Basics are meant to be built upon and improved, but we never truly move past them. When unsure of my next steps, I step back, focus on my goals, and remember my three-letter fundamentals.

About Michelson 20MM

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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The Spark Community Advisors: Championing Open Educational Resources in 2025

The Spark Community Advisors: Championing Open Educational Resources in 2025

Open Educational Resources (OER) provide equitable access to learning materials, empowering both students and educators. By reducing the financial burden of expensive textbooks, OER fosters a more inclusive educational environment. They can help ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, have access to high-quality learning resources. 


The 2025 OER Michelson Spark Grants funding cycle furthers these positive impacts. It does so by supporting innovative projects that scale OER implementation, build capacity, and enhance outreach.

2025 Open Educational Resources Focus Areas

In order to drive a scalable impact within the communities we serve, the funding cycle emphasizes the following areas:

  • Supporting the implementation of California’s investment in zero textbook cost (ZTC) degree programs within the California Community College (CCC) system.
  • Mobilizing students and faculty to pass OER policies at the University of California (UC), CCC, and California State University (CSU) systems.
  • Improving the quality and reach of OER marketing materials, particularly for under-resourced programs at institutions nationwide.
  • Researching and conducting public education around automatic textbook billing, with a focus on student experience and consumer protection.
  • Investigating the impacts of policies relating to textbook accessibility, OER, and textbook price transparency at the state and federal level.

Meet the Spark Community Advisors

The Michelson 20MM Foundation believes that those closest to the issues we’re working on understand a community’s needs best and are closest to the solution. With this in mind, we are proud to introduce a remarkable group of advisors whose expertise will shape strategies that promote equity, support vulnerable populations, and drive innovative approaches to improving OER.

Elaine Correa, Ph.D | Professor and Chair, California State University, Bakersfield, Department of Human Development, and Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies

Dr. Elaine Correa earned her Ph.D. in Administration and Policy Studies in Education from McGill University, Montreal, Canada. She joined California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) in Fall 2016. Dr. Correa serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Human Development, and Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies. In 2019-2020, she was Interim Associate Dean for the School of Social Sciences and Education. Dr. Correa participates in shared governance on the Academic Senate. She serves on the Academic Support and Student Services Sub-Committee.

In Fall 2023, Dr. Correa spearheaded CSUB’s first OER degree. Her department received recognition from the Chancellor’s Office as one of three CSUs to offer an OER degree program. This initiative addresses equity gaps and increases graduation rates. 

Dr. Correa advocates for social justice and community engagement. Her research and work focuses on educational equity, OER/OEP, multiculturalism, feminist pedagogy, e-learning, and service learning.

Paola Santana (she/her/Ella) | Executive Director, Glendale College Foundation

Paola Santana is the Executive Director of the Glendale College Foundation. There, she builds public awareness and collaborates with a 34-member board. Together they raise funds for student scholarships, college programs, and other critical needs.

Previously, Santana served as a Strategy Officer and Grant Maker at Lumina Foundation. In her role, she supported state efforts to increase postsecondary attainment across the nation. Santana also led UNITE-LA’s college access and success portfolio for nearly a decade. She implemented direct service college access programming and developed the organization’s higher education policy advocacy agenda. Santana began her career advising the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education on complex policy issues. 

She is a graduate of several leadership programs, including the Riordan Leadership Institute and the Pahara NextGen Network. A first-generation, community college transfer student, Santana earned her associate degree at Glendale Community College, baccalaureate degree at the UC, Berkeley, and Master’s in Higher Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Katie Wagman (she/her) | Senior, University of California, Los Angeles 

Katie Wagman is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), studying public affairs. She is a Policy Intern with EveryLife Foundation for Rare Disease and as a Housing/Communications Policy Intern at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE). 

Previously, Wagman was a Student Fellow for Michelson 20MM’s Textbook Affordability initiative. She worked to ensure students have equitable access to the course materials. She continues this work as the Director of Access and Equity for the undergraduate Academic Affairs Commission. In her role, Wagman is advancing textbook affordability through the UC system and implementing course marking and price transparency at UCLA. Nationally, she advocated for policy changes in the Department of Education. 

Upon graduation, Wagman plans to work in housing or healthcare policy, with a particular interest in reproductive healthcare. 

This Michelson Spark Grants funding cycle plays a crucial role in driving OER adoption. It empowers communities to overcome barriers to education through affordable learning materials. Together, we can continue creating an equitable educational landscape for students and educators alike.

About Michelson 20MM

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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Creating a Unified Network for Systems-Impacted Students: The Transfer Coalition Initiative

Creating a Unified Network for Systems-Impacted Students: The Transfer Coalition Initiative

The Michelson 20MM Foundation proudly supports the Torero Urban Scholars’ (TUS) new Transfer Coalition Initiative (TCI) through a 2024 Smart Justice Spark Grant. Their innovative project aims to break down barriers to higher education for systems-impacted individuals, creating a cohesive regional network of support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated learners. 

A Collaborative, Unified Approach to Reentry Education

The TCI is transforming reentry education with a unified, collaborative approach. Historically, reentry education efforts have been fragmented, with limited connections between correctional facilities, higher education institutions, and community resources. TCI addresses this challenge by creating a formalized, unified network connecting key players, ensuring students receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive academically. 

“The Transfer Coalition Initiative is about more than access to education; it’s about creating a sustainable, interconnected system of support for students at every stage of their journey,” said Kenia Miranda Vergudo, Smart Justice Program Manager. “By building partnerships between correctional facilities, colleges, and community organizations, TCI sets a new standard for what reentry education can and should be.”

Building a Pathway to Higher Education

TCI’s reach extends beyond the classroom, recognizing that system-impacted students face multiple challenges–housing instability, social stigma, and the need for mentorship to name a few. By providing wraparound services such as academic advising and housing support, TCI ensures that students can focus on their studies without the added stress of navigating these barriers alone. 

The key to TCI’s program is its emphasis on fostering a sense of community. Through events such as resource fairs, networking opportunities, and campus tabling at both correctional facilities and local colleges, TCI helps students build connections with peers and mentors who share their experiences. This community-building approach is essential for long-term success, as it helps reduce stigma and create a support network of like-minded individuals. 

A Regional Network with National Potential

What sets TCI apart is its potential for scalability and focus on early intervention with youth. The initiative builds on the successful collaboration between 12 higher education reentry programs in San Diego County, including the University of California, San Diego’s Underground Scholars, San Diego State University’s Project Rebound, and the Rising Scholars Network. By creating a regional coalition, TCI is establishing a model that can be replicated across other areas of California and, eventually, nationwide. 

“The impact of TCI will be transformative,” Kenia shared. “As this model grows, it can influence broader policy changes that remove barriers to higher education for justice-impacted individuals. This is an opportunity to reshape how our society supports those who have been incarcerated, moving from punitive to restorative and preventative practices.”

Leveraging Technology for Greater Reach

To amplify its impact, TCI is developing a regional online toolkit. The digital resource hub will offer essential tools, best practices, and information. Available to both students and educators, the hub will facilitate collaboration and ensure participants are equipped with the knowledge to succeed. The toolkit will also allow for easy sharing of resources and strategies, making it possible to scale TCI’s impact beyond San Diego. 

Fostering Long-Term Impact on Social Mobility

TCI’s long-term goal is to help system-impacted individuals achieve social mobility through higher education. Students consistently show that educational access significantly reduces recidivism rates and promotes successful reintegration. By expanding access to college programs, TCI provides students with the tools needed to build successful futures. We are proud to support their bold approach to reentry education, one that combines innovation, collaboration, and equity.

About Michelson 20MM

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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Spark Community Advisors Lend Their Expertise in Transforming Student Basic Needs

Spark Community Advisors Lend Their Expertise in Transforming Student Basic Needs

In a state where over 50% of community college students face housing or food insecurity,  creating system solutions is vital. These solutions must address student basic needs challenges in higher education. To combat this, the 2024 Student Basic Needs Spark Grants funding cycle focuses on innovative strategies that advance student basic needs in California. 

2024 Student Basic Needs Focus Areas

In order to drive a scalable impact within the communities we serve, the funding cycle emphasizes the following areas: 

  • Systemic approaches and actionable strategies for higher education systems to implement state and/or federal policies addressing student housing and food insecurity. 
  • Best practices to support students who are ineligible for public benefits, state aid, and federal aid. Students ineligible for state or federal aid can include but are not limited to, undocumented students, DACAmented/Dreamers, and/or international students. 

Innovative approaches and promising practices to promote positive academic outcomes for students receiving direct financial assistance aimed at mitigating student basic needs concerns. This could include research, evaluation, or efforts that scale the impact of public benefits assistance, tax credits for eligible students, universal basic income, guaranteed income programs, and approaches to liquidating institutional Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) dollars. 

Meet the Spark Community Advisors

No one knows the needs of a community better than those with boots on the ground. Recognizing this, we proudly introduce an incredible group of advisors, who provided insights to help students meet their basic needs. Their expertise and dedication informed strategies that promote equity, support for vulnerable populations, and innovative approaches to improving academic outcomes. 

Heather Brandt: Heather Brandt serves as the Student Trustee at City College of San Francisco (CCSF), where she leads initiatives to revitalize the campus post-pandemic and reinstate essential services. Brandt has a unique commitment to supporting a diverse student population that stems from her role as president of Student Parents United (SPU), a club dedicated to advancing the needs of pregnant and parenting students. With over a decade of experience in community-based organizations, Brandt is a dedicated advocate for equity, environmental sustainability, and student success.

Sadie Brown: As a Program Manager for the Real College California Coalition, Brown leverages over a decade of experience in higher education, with a focus in event planning, program management and corporate partnerships.  In her role, Brown leads initiatives supporting the CEO Affordability, Food, and Housing Access Taskforce. Her work focuses on advancing basic needs through professional development, advocacy, and research for practitioners. Brown’s leadership drives efforts to ensure students have the resources needed to achieve academic success.

Irene Lewis: As the Senior Policy and Research Analyst at the Food, Research, and Action Center (FRAC), Lewis supports strategies to enhance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits access for students. Her background includes extensive work in food security,  and policies addressing food security and policies addressing racial equity in federal aid programs, and policy.

Danielle Muñoz-Channel: As the Director of Basic Needs at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), Danielle brings over 20 years of experience in managing disability, mental health, and basic needs programs. Her work emphasizes creating systemic interventions. She also helps scale innovative programs to support underserved student populations. Most recently, Muñoz-Channel has scaled the CalWORKS program at CSULB to expand food, emergency grants, and housing services for students. Additionally, Muñoz-Channel proudly serves as the Co-Chair for the President’s Commission on the Status of Women. She is also a fellow in the President and Provost’s Leadership Fellows program. Muñoz-Channel is dedicated to fostering equity-minded leadership and creating programs and services that help individuals feel seen, valued, safe, and liberated.

Mayra Nunez Martinez: Having immigrated from Sinaloa, Mexico, Martinez grew up in California’s rural San Joaquin Valley. Her commitment to increasing college access motivated her to pursue a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Davis. True to her roots, Martinez’s focus is on advancing educational equity for Latinx students in rural areas. As a postdoctoral scholar at Wheelhouse and an affiliate of the California Education Lab, her research addresses student outcomes in California Community Colleges.

This community of advisors plays a critical role in shaping actionable strategies. These strategies align with our key focus areas for this funding cycle, including implementing state and federal policies, supporting students ineligible for financial assistance, and scaling impactful financial assistance programs. Together, they help build a future where all students can thrive academically, regardless of their basic needs challenges.

About Michelson 20MM

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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Building a Stronger Future for Students: 2024 Student Basic Needs Spark Grantees

2024 Student Basic Needs Spark Grantees

We are pleased to announce the 2024 Student Basic Needs Spark Grantees! California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy, the Real College California Coalition, and Swipe Out Hunger will advance systemic solutions to address students’ most urgent needs. As higher education becomes increasingly financially burdensome, it’s crucial that we focus on helping students meet their basic needs.

“The three grantees will create lasting change by tackling food and housing insecurity at a systemic level,” said Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager for Student Basic Needs. “By addressing basic needs, they will improve student success, retention, and graduation rates. We are proud to support their efforts to ensure every student has the resources they need to thrive.”

California Competes will break down barriers that prevent eligible students from accessing public benefits, such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal. Building on their ongoing work, the first stage of the “Linking Benefits and Data to Support the Whole Student” project will focus on researching available benefits programs and ways to leverage the Cradle-to-Career Data System to streamline benefits access. These efforts will set the foundation for California Competes to establish a basic needs coalition. By focusing on holistic integration across systems and coalition-driven advocacy, their project will enhance student success while helping low-income and underserved students. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, the project will engage key stakeholders from higher education, public benefits, and community organizations to create a sustainable, student-centered model. 

The Real College California Coalition (RCCC) will continue the Real College California Survey on the Real Experience of College Students in March. Conducted every two years, the 2023 survey was the largest national study on student basic needs. The survey assesses food and housing insecurities, as well as homelessness among California Community College (CCC) students. This year, RCC aims to increase college participation and student responses. Additionally, they will provide real-time data dashboards, customizable engagement tools, and professional development resources to colleges. Once the data has been collected, survey results will improve programs and help CCCs advocate for more investment in basic needs services. The survey will be made possible by RCCC teaming up with the CEO Affordability, Food, and Housing Access Taskforce (AFHAT) and the RP Group.

Swipe Out Hunger works with over 860 campuses nationwide on food insecurity. In their network, they’ve found international students represent 14% of food pantry users. Nationally, international students make up 6% of higher education students, with California hosting the largest number. Due to their ineligibility for state or federal benefits, international students often rely on on-campus resources including food pantries. Recognizing this, Swipe Out Hunger will develop a toolkit and virtual training providing actionable solutions for campuses to better serve these students. By sharing best practices and successful strategies, the project will create a sustainable model for supporting international students across campuses. 

“California Competes, the Real College California Coalition, and Swipe Out Hunger are leading the way in creating lasting change for students across the state and beyond,” Dr. Hoang reflected. With a focus on collaboration, data-driven solutions, and inclusive support, these efforts will enhance student success while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. We look forward to sharing more in the year ahead!

About Michelson 20MM

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.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

Incarcerated Firefighters in California: A Complex Legacy of Service, Stigma, and Struggle

Incarcerated Firefighter

By Kenia Miranda Verdugo

Every year, California’s wildfires ravage communities and are fought by unsung heroes: incarcerated firefighters. Often trained in fire camps, incarcerated firefighters work tirelessly on the frontlines to protect communities and land. Despite their civil service, they face enormous obstacles translating their skills into civilian firefighting jobs. The Michelson 20MM Foundation is proud to continue our support of incarcerated firefighters and shed light on the ways we can provide the second chance they deserve.  

A Brief History of Incarcerated Firefighters in California

Since World War II, incarcerated individuals have played a vital role in California’s firefighting capability. The creation of “fire camps” in the 1970s, however, expanded the program under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Through fire camps, incarcerated individuals are trained to fight fires, perform search and rescue missions, and assist with emergency services. In exchange for their work, fire camp participants earn reduced sentences and credits toward early release.

As Californians actively track the containment rate of fires, many do not realize that incarcerated firefighters are being exploited and face challenges after the fire season. Through the arrangement, the state gains access to a reliable and low-cost workforce. In fact, it is estimated that fire camps save the state $100M a year. Although they provide a vital resource to save lives and protect property in hazardous conditions, the incarcerated firefighters’ pay is minimal. An incarcerated firefighter is paid well below minimum wage, typically between $5.80 and $10.24 a day—making their labor one of the most exploitative elements of California’s prison system.

January 2025 brought unprecedented destruction to the state, with incarcerated firefighters playing a key role in controlling the devastation—despite their unjust wages. CalFire estimates that there have been over 300 wildland fires this year alone. This includes the Palisades and Eaton fires, which were two of the state’s deadliest and most destructive fires to date. Ending the destruction and containing the 50,000+ acres burned statewide would not have been possible without incarcerated firefighters. In fact, over 1,100 incarcerated firefighters risked their lives last month. As these public safety heroes return from the fire camps, however, they will face barriers of their own.

The Barriers to Reentry: Challenges for Incarcerated Firefighters Upon Release

In addition to the low pay, many formerly incarcerated firefighters face significant barriers transitioning to a permanent career in civilian firefighting. Legal and institutional factors compound the barriers to reentry. This creates a complicated landscape for individuals who have the skills but are still marked by their criminal history.

Criminal Records and Employment Discrimination

The most immediate obstacle is the stigma associated with having a criminal record. California has made strides to reduce employment discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals. Notably, this was reflected in the passage of laws, such as the California Fair Chance Act. Even with legislative frameworks in place, many public and private agencies are reluctant to hire someone with a conviction. 

Licensing and Certification

Formerly incarcerated individuals must also navigate a complex web of licensing requirements. California’s fire service certification system is stringent, including various levels of training, testing, and qualifications. Unfortunately, the training and hands-on experience fire camp participants received does not automatically translate into the required certifications.

For example, many fire departments require firefighters to complete additional certifications, such as becoming Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). This requirement may present significant hurdles for formerly incarcerated individuals. Each certification necessitates financial means, resources, stability, and time to complete after release. 

Limited Access to Resources and Support

Prior to beginning their career, formerly incarcerated firefighters need to secure stable housing, access mental health care, and obtain reliable transportation. Lining up these resources can be riddled with additional barriers, particularly for fire camp participants who were incarcerated for long periods.

Limited Pathways to Reemployment

Although incarcerated firefighters have a track record of helping stop destructive blazes, one of the greatest paradoxes is how they also find it difficult to enter the firefighting profession upon release. The notion that a seasoned wildland firefighter would be turned away from the job after release seems counterintuitive. It is, however, a systemic issue deeply rooted in how criminal justice and labor laws intersect.

Recent Efforts to Break Down the Barriers and Potential Solutions

Recognizing these challenges and the heroism of incarcerated firefighters, there have been growing calls for reform. Some advocates argue that California’s fire camp system must be restructured to support a smoother transition upon release. The potential solutions primarily fall into three areas: 1) expanding firefighting certifications; 2) reducing the stimaga of criminal records; and 3) supporting resources for reentry.

Expanding Firefighting Certifications

Recognizing and streamlining the certification process for incarcerated firefighters would be a step in the right direction. California lawmakers, fire organizations, and advocates are looking into ways incarcerated firefighters can more easily transfer their experience into civilian certifications. Efforts to create pathways that credit the training received in fire camps could ease the transition to permanent firefighting positions. As an example of this, the Michelson Center for Public Policy sponsored AB 1908 in 2022, a bill that sought to provide firefighting certifications for incarcerated firefighters.

Reducing the Stigma of Criminal Records

To address the stigma associated with criminal records, further legislative action could create hiring incentives. These incentives would be given to fire departments that onboard formerly incarcerated individuals and provide financial support or training grants. As a result, the workforce gap will be filled, formerly incarcerated individuals receive stable employment, and recidivism is reduced.

Support and Resources for Reentry

For five years, Michelson 20MM has supported reentry programs that are specifically tailored to the unique needs of incarcerated firefighters. The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), a multi-year Spark Grantee, is a true example of this. They provide formerly incarcerated individuals with a pathway to careers in firefighting and forestry management. Through hands-on training, education, and mentorship, FFRP helps participants gain the skills and certifications needed to pursue a career in fire management, while also offering reentry support. It bridges the gap between the valuable firefighting experience gained in prison fire camps and civilian firefighting opportunities. Ultimately, the program offers a second chance for both career advancement and personal rehabilitation, serving as a scalable model for the state

A Call for Change in California

The state’s incarcerated firefighters have proven themselves to be brave, capable, and committed individuals. By addressing the barriers to reentry, we can help create a system that acknowledges their service, supports rehabilitation, and benefits society. As a result, experienced, trained firefighters will work where they are needed most. Supporting formerly incarcerated firefighters isn’t just about second chances—it’s about building a safer, stronger California for everyone.

About Michelson 20MM

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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Welcoming the Second Cohort of the Michelson 20MM California Student Parent Pooled Fund

The Michelson 20MM Foundation is proud to announce the second cohort of the California Student Parent Pooled Fund, a transformative effort designed to support student parents. This initiative aims to promote equity, drive systemic change, and empower this often underrepresented group. 

The Need: Setting Student Parents Up for a Brighter Future

Parenting students make up 22% of undergraduate students, underscoring the importance of tailored support systems. Student parents—primarily people of color, women, and individuals facing financial challenges—often encounter significant obstacles that hinder their ability to complete their degrees. This project aims to address these barriers and foster their success in higher education. 

Grantmaking Priorities for a Multi-Generational Approach

Housed at Michelson 20MM, the California Student Parent Pooled Fund is a collaboration between multiple funders focused on supporting student-parent work in our state.

Focusing on a multi-generational strategy, the fund supports student parents and their children by integrating best practices in early childhood and postsecondary education. It aims to empower advocates while fostering a cohesive, unified approach to student-parent initiatives across California. Grant priorities center on research, movement building, education, awareness, narrative shifts, and policy development. 

Introducing the Second Cohort 

We are pleased to welcome this year’s cohort!

The California State University Office of the Chancellor will develop a strategic task force to expand resources for student parents across the CSU system. Over a three-year period, the initiative will provide a comprehensive toolkit, an implementation plan for toolkit rollout, and an evaluation of all student-parent resource experiences across the CSU system.  

Early Edge California will expand efforts on its multi-year project, Increasing Access to Childcare and Early Learning Programs for Student Parents in California. The project will leverage partnerships and educate policymakers on the unique challenges and needs of student parents.

Generation Hope’s California Presidents Circle will engage higher education leaders to create family-inclusive campuses through skill-building, mentorship, and systemic change projects benefiting 30,000 parenting students statewide. Rooted in the lived experience of student parents, their efforts will support the expansion of family-serving institutions. 

The Pregnant Scholar is committed to strengthening state-level protections for pregnant and parenting students. This initiative will draw attention to the critical need for legal protections in California via blogs, articles, and a detailed report. It will also elevate the perspectives of student parents, unite with gender justice partners, and offer institutions practical policies and interim guidance.

Join us in celebrating these initiatives, which will generate change across California and create opportunities for student parents. Thank you to our funding partners: California Community Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, ECMC Foundation, Lumina Foundation, R&S Kayne Foundation, Stupski Foundation, and The Ichigo Foundation. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of student parents in California. 

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.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

Developing Trauma-Informed Curriculum for System-Impacted Parents: The Healing and Justice Center

The Michelson 20MM Foundation awarded a Smart Justice Spark Grant to the Healing & Justice Center. The center supports Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals, communities, and organizations by creating safe, healing spaces through tailored programs and services. They also offer advocacy initiatives that promote sustainable healing and justice practices. Through the Spark Grant, they will develop a three-month curriculum for justice-impacted parents, host a pilot program, and analyze its impact.

Innovative Solutions to Break the Cycle of Unhealed Trauma

The Healing & Justice Center is transforming lives by addressing the trauma and systemic barriers faced by individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. “The center recognizes that those who experience trauma as children tend to continue the trauma cycle as adults,” Kenia Miranda Verdugo, Smart Justice Program Manager, reflected. “They’re actively helping parents recognize their triggers, build emotional resilience, and heal their relationships with their children. We’re excited to see the positive effects of healing on multiple generations impacted by the justice system.”

To do so, the center uses innovative trauma-informed programs, such as Parenting Beyond Walls. The program includes a foundational practical workbook, which will soon be digitized. Through it, parents can undergo step-by-step exercises to enhance their grounding techniques, communication skills, resilience, and regulation. As a result, the workbook helps parents continue their healing journey outside of classroom lessons. 

In addition to the workbook, the Healing & Justice Center also offers parent support groups. These groups, both in-person and virtual, help parents build a support network as they transition back into their communities and families. As a result, parents have the tools to continue working on their emotional wellness and relationships post-release. 

Scaling Compassionate Parenting Throughout California

The Healing & Justice Center hopes to expand to both men’s and women’s correctional facilities across California, using data-driven insights to refine and scale their programs. By addressing cycles of unhealed intergenerational trauma, their work fosters healthier communities, prevents violence, reduces systemic inequities, and supports brighter futures. 

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.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

Empowering Youth with Education: The California Justice Leaders Postsecondary Pathways Program

Michelson 20MM is proud to continue supporting Impact Justice’s important work in the smart justice space by awarding them a 2024 Michelson Spark Grant. Through the Spark Grant, they will create pathways to higher education for justice-involved youth. The grant will fund the launch of the California Justice Leaders Postsecondary Pathways Program (CJLP3), a new initiative that builds on our prior investment in their California Justice Leaders (CJL) program and takes it to new heights by directly addressing the needs of young people incarcerated or recently released. 

Building on a Strong Foundation: The CJL Program

In 2019, funded in part by a Spark Grant, Impact Justice launched the CJL program, an AmeriCorps initiative designed to serve justice-impacted young adults. Through the program, CJL members—credible messengers who have lived experience with the justice system—work as reentry navigators in nonprofit organizations, providing mentorship, advocacy, and direct support to those who are currently and formerly incarcerated.

Five years later, CJL has grown into a powerful network of over 100 members. “Seeing the California Justice Leaders program continue to grow since Michelson 20MM’s initial investment has demonstrated the power of their community-based model,” Kenia Miranda Verdugo, Smart Justice Program Manager shared. “As CJL continues to scale, it’s clear that the next logical step is expanding into educational access for budding minds. That’s where the Postsecondary Pathways Program (CJLP3) comes into play.”

Expanding Access to Higher Education: The CJLP3 Initiative

The new CJLP3 program addresses a critical gap for youth involved in the justice system. CJLP3 focuses on “secure track” youth, up to age 25, who are incarcerated or recently released and facing extended sentences for serious offenses. The program helps juvenile judges and other justice-system actors leverage educational opportunities as sentencing solutions.

“By ensuring that educational success is recognized by the justice system, we open the door for young people to reintegrate into society as educated, skilled individuals who can successfully reintegrate into their communities,” Kenia reflected. 

What Makes CJLP3 Innovative?

  1. Create Bridges Between Education and Justice Systems: CJLP3 recognizes the discretion juvenile justice judges have when it comes to the future of incarcerated youth. They can even consider rehabilitation and education as forms of sentence relief. By fostering communication between judges, other court officials, and higher educational institutions, CJLP3 will ensure that the educational progress of incarcerated youth is safeguarded.
  2. Scale a Proven Model: Building on the success of the Laney College’s Restoring our Communities (ROC) model in Alameda County, CJLP3 will scale the effort statewide. By embedding these practices within CJL’s network of over 60 members, the program can help hundreds of young people navigate the complexities of higher education while incarcerated and during reentry.
  3. Conduct a Landscape Analysis: The CJLP3 Program Manager will conduct a landscape analysis of the judges, institutions for higher education, and detention facilities in the counties where CJL members currently operate. This will be used to empower members as they begin developing professional working relationships with these institutions. 

Leveraging Previous Success for Greater Impact

Michelson 20MM is excited to continue our partnership with Impact Justice. We are confident that this new program will further advance equitable opportunities for those impacted by the justice system. 

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.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here.