20MM News Archive

Irvine Valley College: Investigating a More Student Centric Approach to ZTC

Irvine Valley College (IVC) wants to improve how students find, navigate, and complete Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degrees through a Michelson Spark Grant. IVC is investigating the best way to design a system centered on the student experience. The goal is to make ZTC pathways user-friendly, easy to identify, accessible, and practical.

Centering Students in ZTC Innovation

IVC is asking: How are students being directed to these resources? Are the instructions clear, and can a student realistically navigate and access what the institution claims to offer?

“Everyone wants ZTC degrees to benefit students, but learning how to maximize those benefits is going to take research and hard work,” said Cailyn Nagle, OER Senior Program Manager at Michelson 20MM. “This project will offer insights for colleges statewide that are building ZTC Degrees.” The study will identify what students need to access and complete ZTC pathways. It will also analyze how ZTC options are presented online and which tools students find most helpful.

The Role of Students in the Research

IVC will engage students as research partners throughout the project. Using a tiered model, students will lead focus groups, administer survey collection, analyze data, co-author findings, and present results at statewide conferences. The project offers participation options ranging from one-time involvement to full-semester engagement.

Delivering Actionable Research and Resources

The research will produce a detailed report with student-driven findings and recommendations. It will include a preliminary plan to build a student-friendly ZTC Degree interface. Additionally, the project will develop materials that can be shared widely. These outputs will guide IVC’s future ZTC planning and support similar efforts at other colleges.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

IVC serves a diverse student body, including many first-generation and working students. The project reflects their commitment to equity by embedding student perspectives throughout the research process. It encourages ZTC pathways that are clear, current, and centered on what students actually need.

Looking Ahead: A Scalable Model for ZTC Degrees

The Michelson Spark Grant will support research during the academic year. After that, IVC will share its findings broadly across California’s community college system. The project aims to document what works in ZTC implementation and why. IVC hopes to help shape a future where all students earn degrees without costly textbooks. Ultimately, they will influence how colleges design, communicate, and operationalize ZTC pathways to benefit.

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.

Building Digital Equity in California: Spotlight on the 2025 Spark Community Advisors

California’s digital divide continues to harm historically underserved communities. In 2025, we’re sharpening our Spark Grants focus to support community-driven efforts that advance digital equity across the state. The following focus areas reflect this commitment and guide our work.

2025 Digital Equity Focus Area

Policy Advocacy and Civic Engagement to Achieve Broadband for All: Efforts that increase civic participation in digital equity policy-making and regulatory processes at the local, regional, or state-level.
Digital Equity as a Social Determinant of Health: Efforts that address digital inequity through its impact as a social determinant of health. Specifically, we are seeking projects that are scalable across the state.
Internet Access as a Civil Right: Eliminating digital discrimination efforts that help address the impact that low-quality and/or unaffordable Internet has in areas that may superficially appear to have Internet access. The projects should provide tools to combat digital discrimination and to promote equitable access to broadband throughout California. By focusing on the role of race in the historical causes of digital inequity, we seek to grow awareness and uplift the voices and needs of underserved communities that have been deliberately excluded from connectivity by systematic redlining and disinvestment.

Meet the Spark Community Advisors

To help shape our approach, we’ve partnered with leaders who bring deep experience in digital equity, policy, and advocacy. The 2025 Spark Community Advisors represent diverse voices from across California. Their work reflects the very goals we seek to promote: systems change, community engagement, and equitable access for all.

Natalie González

Deputy Director Digital Equity Initiative, California Community Foundation

Natalie Gonzalez is the Deputy Director of the California Community Foundation’s (CCF’s) Digital Equity Initiative. The Initiative is a multi-year project that will seed a digital equity movement in Los Angeles County with the power and capacity to successfully advocate for fast, reliable, and affordable broadband for all. Prior to working in the digital equity space, Gonzalez worked within the Public Policy and Civic Engagement department at CCF, supporting strategic partnerships, advocacy, local, and state initiatives, and the COVID-19 Community Health Project.

With over eight years in the nonprofit sector, Gonzalez served as Director of Engagement at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV). In that role, she provided support to youth development programs and services throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Gonzalez helped establish nationally recognized programs that promote youth empowerment, civic engagement, and leadership among under-resourced communities. Recently, she supported a county-wide initiative to mobilize young voters and increase voter turnout through grassroots organizing and social media activations. Gonzalez received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Merced.

Arturo Juarez

Policy Advisor, NextGen Policy

Arturo Juarez oversees the on-the-ground implementation of NextGen’s Connect Corps pilot program and helps lead their broadband and digital equity policy portfolio. His work includes program design and set up, the training and management of digital navigators, and leading a broadband policy portfolio focused on universal access, affordability, equity, and literacy and navigation.

Arturo started his career in the private sector. He worked for a multinational investment and financial services company, where he managed a $500 million investment portfolio. In the nonprofit sector, he has held roles in advocacy, fundraising, and partnership development. Prior to joining the NextGen Policy team, Arturo worked for the Biden/Harris Presidential Campaign as a Regional Director helping to get out the vote in several battleground states during the 2020 election.

Miguel Angel Segura

Director of External Relations, Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)

Miguel Ángel Segura (MÁS) holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and Chicano/a Studies at California State University, Northridge, and Masters in Education from Loyola Marymount. After supporting the presidential campaigns for 2020, he joined the staff of US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on a special effort to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on schools, colleges, and universities. Miguel then served as an Advance Associate for the Office of the Vice President Kamala Harris.

Prior to his national focus, Miguel taught in Pico-Union and South Los Angeles. He also supported the LAUSD Board of Education. His focus on advocacy began early in his career when Miguel worked for a parent advocacy organization to support parents of English-learners, students with disabilities, and immigrant families. He also worked for the State Assembly and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign

As California continues to close the digital divide, community guidance, insight, and wisdom will remain central to our approach. The 2025 focus areas and Spark Community Advisors reflect our shared commitment to advancing broadband as a civil right, a health need, and a tool for civic power. Together, we will continue to challenge systemic barriers and build lasting equity in every region of the state.

The Digital Equity Spark Grants funding cycle is currently open and will close on June 10, 2025. To learn more and submit a proposal, visit our website.

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.

Inside the ZTC Summit: Building Affordable Pathways in CCCs

By Cailyn Nagle and Marissa Martinez

Earlier this month, the Michelson 20MM Foundation joined faculty, administrators and researchers at the Zero-Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degree summit hosted by College of the Canyons. Over a hundred ZTC and OER practitioners gathered to learn about efforts to lower course material costs in California Community Colleges (CCC).

A Statewide Commitment to Affordability

In 2021, Governor Newsom allocated $115 million to fund the current ZTC Degree program, the largest single investment in course material affordability nationally. “ZTC Degrees” are degree programs composed entirely of courses that eliminate textbook costs by using high-quality, no-cost content, with an emphasis on OER. The program builds on a 2016 pilot that created 33 ZTC Degrees and Career Technical Education certificates at 23 CCCs, saving students $7 for every $1 invested.

Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

The morning kicked off with welcoming remarks from Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo, president of the CCC Board of Governors, and David Andrus, interim president of the College of the Canyons.

Following the welcome, the Office of the Chancellor’s update provided a lot of news worth celebrating! They shared that the program has successfully allocated the majority of their funding and that 379 ZTC pathways will be available across the system by this fall’s term. The positive impact this has on accessibility across the system will be immediately felt by students. These programs will launch this fall, with even more ZTC degrees under development. After hearing such inspiring progress, the event split into breakout sessions on topics like AI in OER, ZTC and general education, and OER and ZTC Advocacy.

Left to right: Chad Funk, Cailyn Nagle, Marissa Martinez, and James Glapa-Grossklag at the ZTC Summit

“Effective Approaches to Engaging Students in OER/ZTC Efforts,” a session led by Marissa, was filled with campus faculty, librarians, and administrators. They were eager to learn more about how they could best engage students to support OER and ZTC advocacy. The presentation encouraged participants to use an advocacy framework when thinking about ways to partner with students for their OER projects.

Each session group discussed their project goals, strategies, and tactics to understand where students can most effectively support their OER and ZTC efforts. Participants learned about some of the tactics student-leadership can use to further the goals of their campaigns like writing resolutions or hosting on-campus events. By the end of the sessions, attendees were left with a campus-specific OER/ZTC advocacy strategy, a strategic understanding of the role students play as partners in the work, and the tactics students can use to push the needle forward on OER adoption and ZTC degree implementation.

Faculty Leadership and Systemwide Momentum

Michelle Pilati, Psychology Professor at RioHondo College and Project Director of the Academic Senate’s Open Educational Resource Initiative (OERI), led the keynote session. She outlined the fantastic work faculty have done across the state, from curating OER collections to supporting OER liaisons across colleges. OERI plans to continue supporting OER development, cross-discipline sessions, and provide professional development opportunities for CCC educators. They will also continue to advocate for and support the implementation of open course materials across the system for at least another decade.

Innovative Tools and Local Success Stories

The day wrapped up with individual colleges digging into their local success stories, projects, and research, including Michelson 20MM Spark Grant recipients from Chabot College. Colleges like Coalinga, Diablo Valley, Leemore, and Mira Costa Colleges shared more about the strategies they have taken locally to build successful ZTC programs. This includes focusing on full-time faculty outreach as a point of programmatic sustainability to evaluating the negative impacts high textbook costs have on students.

Chabot College gave an in-depth preview of the interactive data dashboard built over the last year. Nine colleges are currently piloting the dashboard, which helps ZTC programs to identify gaps in their pathways, track impacts on students, and more. The room was buzzing with excitement as Dr. Alexander Karan, who played a large role in building the system, gave a tour of the program. It’s rare to get “oohs and aahs” from an audience looking at graphs, but the Chabot team certainly earned and received them.

A Call to Keep Building

It is not easy to build something as large, interconnected, and visionary as Zero Textbook Cost Degrees, but educators across California are doing just that. Librarians, administrators, instructors, researchers and others will continue the hard work of lowering costs for students and increasing access to course materials. The State of California must rally behind those who are rolling up their sleeves to support students throughout this system and beyond. We must support those who are building a higher education system that reflects the equity and opportunity our state deserves.

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.

Hungry for Help: How Food Insecurity Affects College Students’ Mental Health

By Dr. Queena Hoang

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and CalFresh Awareness Month. It is a chance to examine how food insecurity and mental well-being are intertwined, especially for college students.

College brings growth and opportunity, but also significant financial and emotional stress for many students. Tuition, housing, books, and other costs leave students without enough money for food. Financial stress harms academic performance, as noted in the Trellis Strategies Student Financial Wellness Survey, and student mental health. Dr. Sara Abelson, Assistant Professor in the Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Senior Director of Education and Training at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, shares: “Mental health and mental health care are basic needs that should be a right, not a privilege for all students. Mental health is also deeply impacted by secure access to other basic needs such as food. The Hope Center is dedicated to helping colleges, states, and decision-makers shift from focusing exclusively on strategies to ‘fix’ or treat students and instead transform systems to meet their needs and prevent mental health problems from developing in the first place.”

A recent study of 91 colleges and thousands of students by the Hope Center found:

Over 40% of college students reported experiencing food insecurity.
44% of students had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.
Among students experiencing anxiety or depression, 71% were also experiencing basic needs insecurity related to food and/or housing.
57% who had previously stopped out (stopped attending college without completing a credential and subsequently re-enrolled) did so because of mental health issues.

Hunger is more than skipping meals. It’s about the constant mental strain of wondering where your next meal will come.

The Emotional Weight of Hunger

Without reliable access to nutritious food, student mental health declines. Food insecurity increases rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in students. Hunger and financial instability make it harder to focus, retain information, or feel engaged on campus. “Food insecurity is a silent mental health crisis on college campuses,” says Dr. Zainab Okolo, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations at The Jed Foundation. “When students are worrying about where their next meal is coming from, it’s nearly impossible for them to focus, feel safe, or thrive academically. Addressing basic needs like food is not only foundational to supporting student mental health, it is a clear and measurable retention strategy.”

Students juggling school, jobs, and social pressures often feel overwhelmed. Hunger or the guilt of asking for help can push students to a breaking point. Many suffer in silence, unaware that hunger is causing their mental fog, irritability, and burnout.

The Stigma Barrier

Stigma keeps many students from using the resources that exist. Students often feel ashamed or fear judgment for using food assistance programs. Some don’t know they qualify for programs like CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

CalFresh provides monthly grocery money to eligible students—including those who work, receive work-study, are enrolled in certain programs, or meet income guidelines. Awareness and participation, however, remain low among college populations. Nationally, the Hope Center found that 51% of students with basic needs insecurity did not receive public benefits. In 2019, only 26% of eligible community college students used CalFresh, according to the California Policy Lab. That is compared to 22% of UC undergraduate students and 27% of UC graduate students. Consequently, approximately 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.

Breaking the Cycle

Fixing food insecurity on campus is more than a hunger issue—it’s a mental health imperative. Access to food improves emotional regulation, academic performance, and overall well-being. Campuses should promote CalFresh, expand food pantries, and normalize conversations about basic needs.

During this month of awareness, let’s acknowledge that you can’t study well if you’re hungry. You also can’t feel mentally well if your basic needs aren’t met. Students should know that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward thriving.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out to your campus health center, basic needs office, or student support services to learn more about resources. Mental health and nutrition go hand in hand, and you deserve support for both.

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.

Cal State Dominguez Hills Launches Student Fellowship to Advance OER Policy and Access

The Michelson 20MM Foundation is pleased to support California State University, Dominguez Hills with a 2025 Open Educational Resources (OER) Spark Grant. This grant funds a new student fellowship that will promote OER policies and adoption across five CSU campuses.

The Challenge: Textbook Costs and Student Voices

College textbooks remain unaffordable for many students. There is a solution, though. OER reduces costs, increases flexibility, and lets students take ownership of their learning. The student perspective, however, often remains underrepresented in OER adoption efforts.

A Regional Fellowship for OER Advocacy

CSU Dominguez Hills is changing that. The university will lead a regional OER student advocacy fellowship in partnership with:

CSU Channel Islands
CSU Fullerton
Cal State LA
Cal State Northridge

Through this project, each campus will hire one student fellow to lead local outreach and advocacy.

Empowering Students to Lead

Fellows will promote OER and Zero-Cost Course Materials through events, peer engagement, and collaboration with faculty and staff. They will also work together as a community of practice, sharing strategies and supporting one another throughout the year. At the same time, fellows will receive training and mentorship from the campus Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) coordinators.

“Students have the power to drive OER adoption and shape policy across their own campuses, but need support and resources to do so,” said Cailyn Nagle, Senior Program Manager for OER at Michelson 20MM. “Fellowships like this one create lasting, student-driven change.”

Scaling for Systemwide and Statewide Impact

The project has potential for systemwide impact. Since the CSU AL$ coordinators meet monthly, there is an organic platform to scale the model across all CSU campuses. The CSUDH team also anticipates that there will be opportunities to present at national OER conferences.

This program will directly impact students at five minority serving institutions in Southern California. These campuses serve over 121,000 students, who will benefit from affordable, accessible course materials.

To measure success, the team will track:

Hiring and training five fellows and launching a shared outreach strategy
Student and faculty engagement, including coordination with the CA State Student Association
Campus resource mapping to sustain OER advocacy beyond the grant period

This project aims to become a model for student-driven OER advocacy throughout California and nationwide. By centering students, this initiative promotes equity, leadership, and lasting systems change. Stay tuned for more in the coming year.

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.

Affordable Learning for All: Spotlight on the 2025 OER Spark Grantees and Their Projects

Michelson 20MM is thrilled to announce the 2025 Open Educational Resources (OER) Spark Grantees: California State University Dominguez Hills, Irvine Valley College, and Loyola Marymount University! Their innovative projects will advance the following focus areas:

Improve the quality and reach of OER marketing materials, particularly for under-resourced programs.
Mobilize students and faculty to pass OER policies at the University of California (UC), California Community Colleges (CCC), and California State University (CSU) systems.
Support the implementation of California’s investment in zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) degree programs within the CCC system.

Meet the Grantees and Their Projects

California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) will launch a student fellowship program across five CSU campuses. Building on the Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) Program, they will empower students to advocate for OER by promoting benefits including cost savings, flexibility, and student success. Students will collaborate, share strategies, and advocate for OER adoption and policy changes. Beginning at five campuses, the project has the potential to scale statewide, benefiting hundreds of thousands of students.

Irvine Valley College (IVC)’s project will seek to improve the student-facing experience of ZTC degree pathways. Making ZTC degrees easy to navigate and accessible is not easy, relying on often disjointed data and limited resources. This project will focus on understanding the challenges students face through qualitative research, including surveys and focus groups. By collecting data from students and involving them as research partners, the initiative will study what it would take to create a practical, student-centered ZTC system that can be scaled across institutions. The project also aims to integrate findings into a clear, actionable plan for creating accessible, transparent, and sustainable ZTC pathways that can enhance student success and OER adoption statewide.

Loyola Marymount University’s (LMU’s) OER for Social Justice Marketing and Advocacy Toolkit will build and diffuse customizable marketing materials for promoting OER at under-resourced institutions. The project will produce two adaptable OER marketing kits: one designed to help faculty advocate for OER adoption and another aimed at educating both faculty and students about OER’s benefits. Students will actively co-create content, participate in focus groups, and contribute to education campaigns, using proven advocacy methods. By centering student voices and adaptable messaging, the toolkit will be relevant across different institutional types.

Why OER Matters

OER allows for greater flexibility in teaching and learning, while empowering students to take control of their education. As Cailyn Nagle, Senior Program Manager for OER, shared, “OER not only lowers costs but also transforms the educational experience by providing students with more accessible, flexible, and relevant learning materials.” By promoting OER adoption and advocacy, these projects help bridge gaps in educational access and equity across California’s diverse institutions and beyond.

Learn More

We look forward to sharing more about the impact of these projects as they build on the future of affordable and accessible education for all students.

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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How the Real College California Coalition is Advancing Student Basic Needs with a Spark Grant

The challenge of addressing student basic needs is persistent. Now, the scale, focus, and actionable impact of the Real College California Coalition (RCCC) survey are redefining the conversation. Through a Spark Grant, RCCC will amplify their efforts to gather data on food, housing, and financial insecurities among students at California’s community colleges. Two years ago, the survey gathered over 66,000 responses, marking a milestone in helping all students thrive. This year, we’re excited to see the survey and its impacts continue to grow.

An Innovative Approach to Addressing Student Basic Needs

The Real Experience of College Students survey stands out for its innovative approach to data collection and its focus on equity. By surveying tens of thousands of students from 88 community colleges, RCCC captures unprecedented insights into the struggles students face in meeting their basic needs. The survey goes beyond identifying problems—it tracks trends over time, allowing for a dynamic, real-time understanding of how the needs of students evolve.

RCC’s data highlights disparities across racial and socioeconomic lines. It allows colleges and policymakers to identify which student populations face the greatest challenges. The equity-focused approach is essential for creating interventions that are targeted and effective. By surveying students every two years, RCCC also ensures that the data it provides remains relevant and reflective of the most pressing issues students face at any given time.

“By collecting data in a way that highlights disparities, we’re not just identifying problems, we’re setting the stage for systemic change,” said Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager for Student Basic Needs. “The Spark Grant allows RCCC to further expand their work and help colleges implement effective solutions.”

Scalability and Long-Term Impact

One key aspect of the RCCC survey is scalability. The survey’s methodology is designed to be easily adaptable to different institutions while maintaining consistency and prioritizing data quality. The scalability ensures that RCCC can expand the reach of its findings by extending the survey to additional colleges and students.

With each iteration, RCCC refines the survey to meet the evolving needs of students and institutions, fostering continuous improvement. The integration of professional development and advocacy equips colleges with the tools and knowledge needed to act on the data. Through this model, RCCC ensures that its impact will grow, offering a roadmap for a more inclusive, student-centered approach to addressing basic needs in higher education.

A Broader Impact on Student Basic Needs

In addition to its scalability, the survey’s findings are powerful tools for advocacy. They provide evidence that can inform decision-making at both the institutional and governmental levels. Ultimately, they will lead to better resource allocation, policy reforms, and the development of targeted interventions that help students succeed.

Additionally, RCCC’s collaborative approach fosters partnerships among colleges, advocacy groups, and policymakers. The partnerships with organizations such as the RP Group and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office allow RCCC to amplify its reach, ensuring that the survey’s findings lead to concrete action. By working together, these organizations are creating a shared vision for a future where all students can succeed, free from the burden of unmet basic needs.

Moving Forward with a Vision for Change

RCCC is helping every student have the opportunity to thrive by providing colleges with the tools to implement data-driven solutions and advocating for systemic change. We look forward to sharing key findings from the 2025 survey!

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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NCHEP 2025: A Transformative Gathering in New Orleans

By Kenia Miranda Verdugo

Educators, advocates, students, and formerly incarcerated scholars gathered for the 14th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison (NCHEP) in New Orleans. The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison hosted the event, with support from a range of dedicated sponsors, including the Michelson 20MM Foundation. This year’s theme, “A New Era? Pell Reinstatement and the Future of Prison Education,” served as a catalyst for deep discussions on the evolving landscape of higher education in prison. We left the discussions truly inspired.

Building Connections and Collaborative Networks

The conference brought people together to collaborate on a common goal: expanding educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Attendees traded ideas, shared stories, and forged partnerships to grow higher education in prison.

New Orleans: A City of Resilience and Renewal

The organizers intentionally chose New Orleans as the venue for NCHEP 2025. The city’s resilience and cultural renaissance mirrored the conference’s themes of transformation and empowerment. As a backdrop, New Orleans underscored the significance of education as a tool for liberation and community-driven change.

Ved Price, Executive Director of the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, gave opening remarks.

Engaging Sessions and Thoughtful Dialogues

During the two-day conference, participants engaged in a series of sessions that delved into critical topics:

Navigating Pell Reinstatement: Discussions centered on the complexities of reintegrating Pell Grants into prison education programs. This included addressing accreditation, budgeting, and reporting challenges. One of these sessions introduced Navigating Forward. It is a suite of resources developed by the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative to help incarcerated students understand financial aid, Pell funding, and higher education policies.
Leveraging Technology: Explorations into the integration of digital tools, such as Zoom and virtual classrooms, can enhance educational access within correctional facilities. These discussions illustrated remote work opportunities within carceral settings, covering the technical and logistical aspects of these programs.
Student-Centered Design: Emphasis on the importance of incorporating student voices in program development to ensure relevance and effectiveness. We know that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution, these discussions emphasize that for program development. Some reentry programs were highlighted to show the success of when people with lived experience are immersed in development from start to finish.
The Need for Statewide Collaboration: Sessions focused on building consortia in states across the country in order to break down silos amongst stakeholders. The Michelson 20MM Foundation spoke of the need for formalized statewide collaboration in California in order to further achieve unified goals. This was followed by a panel discussion by the Mississippi Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MCHEP) on the formation and impact of this collaborative initiative aimed at providing post-secondary education opportunities to incarcerated individuals in Mississippi.

At Michelson 20MM, we believe education is a powerful lever for equity. By supporting higher education in prison, we’re investing in a future where knowledge becomes a pathway to liberation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Higher Education in Prison

As NCHEP 2025 concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective commitment to shaping the future of prison education. The discussions and connections made during the conference set the stage for continued advocacy and innovation in the field.

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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Student Parent at the Center: Highlights From the 2025 HOPE Conference

By Dr. Queena Hoang

Attendees from across the country came together in National Harbor, Maryland, for Generation Hope’s annual HOPE Conference. It was a timely and much-needed gathering amid shifting national policies and growing uncertainty about support for student parents. The event brought together advocates, educators, and changemakers, all united by a shared commitment to support parenting students. Throughout the conference, powerful stories, thoughtful strategies, and actionable solutions took center stage, all aimed at advancing equity in higher education for student parents.

Supporting Student Fathers

A key highlight from the conference was a panel discussion centered on student fathers. While student mothers often receive more visibility in research and reports, student fathers make up nearly 30% of the student parent population. Limited data and insufficient support often cause their experiences to be overlooked. This is especially true for Black, Native American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men, who are statistically more likely to be parenting while pursuing their education.

The conversation emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of student fathers to ensure they are included in policy decisions, resources, and support systems. According to one student panelist, student fathers are not the exception—they are actively engaged in their children’s lives, and it’s time we normalize and uplift that reality. Naming and addressing “student fathers” directly in our work is a critical step toward building more inclusive and responsive support systems.

Our Children Are Not the Barriers, the Systems Are

A powerful theme that echoed throughout the conference was the idea that “our children are not the barriers—the systems are.” For student parents, it’s not their role as caregivers that hinders their educational journey, but rather the rigid and inequitable systems they must navigate. Systems such as higher education institutions often lack flexible policies, affordable child care, and family-friendly support services. This makes it difficult for student parents to thrive while enrolled. Social service programs are frequently fragmented or inaccessible, failing to recognize the unique challenges students face. By shifting the narrative and reimagining these systems to be more inclusive and responsive, we can start removing the obstacles that stand in the way of student parents and their children’s success.

Power in Partnership: The Impact of Collective Philanthropy Through the California Collaborative Pooled Fund

Together with Amber Angel of the ECMC Foundation, Jessica Lee of The Pregnant Scholar, and Theresa Anderson of the Urban Institute, Michelson 20MM co-hosted a panel discussion highlighting the power of collective philanthropic action to drive equity and systemic change for student parents. Panelists shared insights into the California Student Parent Pooled Fund, a collaborative initiative that supports student-parent advocates and addresses fragmented efforts across California. Grounded in a multi-generational approach, the fund helps the whole family by working with both children and adults in accessing resources and building skills.

Jessica Lee, The Pregnant Scholar, Theresa Anderson, The Urban Insttute, Queena Hoang Michelson 20MM, Amber Angel, ECMC Foundation — Jessica Lee, The Pregnant Scholar; Theresa Anderson, The Urban Institute; Dr. Queena Hoang Michelson 20MM; and Amber Angel, ECMC Foundation

By continuing strategies from early childhood and higher education, the fund drives impact at multiple levels. These include family transformation, state-level systems change, and education policy improvements. During the session, panelists discussed how the pooled fund model promotes sustainable, collective action. It does so by aligning philanthropic stakeholders to advance equity for student-parent families. They emphasized how this approach helps break down silos, reduces duplication of efforts, and fosters strategic alignment across funders working toward a shared mission.

Student Parents Are at the Intersections of Many Issue Areas

As the conference came to a close, one message rang clear: Supporting student parents is not a side issue—it’s central to achieving equity in education. Whether it is addressing economic mobility, workforce development, or student basic needs, student parents are part of our populations. Their success creates ripple effects that uplift entire families and communities.

Trasi Watson, Senior Higher Ed Impact Manager, Generation Hope; Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder & CEO, Generation Hope; Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager, Michelson 20MM Foundation — Trasi Watson, Generation Hope; Nicole Lynn Lewis, Generation Hope; Dr. Queena Hoang, Michelson 20MM Foundation

Now is the time to take action. Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, funder, or advocate, we each have a role to play in building systems that recognize and respond to the realities of parenting students. Let’s continue to elevate their stories, challenge systemic barriers, and work together to ensure that student parents and their children not only succeed—but thrive.

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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A Call for Digital Equity in Los Angeles: Experiences of a Student Fellow

A Key to the Future of Equity: Experience from a Student Fellow

The Michelson 20MM Student Fellowship empowers students to lead change in higher education. In a 10-month program, fellows learn key advocacy skills, build projects that tackle student-identified challenges, and ultimately launch a student-led campaign. Digital Equity Fellow Francesca Romero authored a survey report that examines the consequences of the discontinuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program, champions the concept of public broadband for all, and urges Los Angeles to take action. Francesca shares more about her project, her experience with the fellowship, and her advice for future fellows.

What were you hoping to achieve during this fellowship?

I hoped to grow as an advocate for the communities I care about through work on housing and digital equity.

What did you enjoy the most about the fellowship?

I loved the freedom to shape my fellowship! At first, it felt intimidating to lead something on my own. Cristal and Marissa supported every step. Their guidance helped me to step into my own confidence as a leader. I used to be shy and hesitant to speak up. Now I feel confident sharing my voice in meetings or classrooms. I feel confident in my abilities as a leader.

What advice do you have for future fellows?

Say yes as often as you can. Be open to new people, projects, and possibilities! It can be scary, but taking the chance to pursue your passions is worth it. I have so many beautiful memories from my time during the fellowship and they were because I said yes more often. You’re a student, but your work can make a real difference.

How would you describe the impact of your project?

I believe my project made a real, positive impact in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Council passed a digital discrimination policy in 2024. Now, residents can identify and report discrimination in internet practices. It can be difficult to articulate these types of things, because most people don’t have the time to figure out their internet speeds vs. other neighborhoods’ speeds. I hope others build on my work to expand access. More research can support advocacy for municipally-owned broadband or reporting discrimination.

How has your experience with the fellowship and your project contributed to or helped inform your next career move?

The fellowship helped inform my career because I’m now open to working for a philanthropic organization in my legal career. Additionally, my interest in housing deepened through this experience. My project gave me fascinating insights into how redlining and housing discrimination feed into digital discrimination. People shouldn’t be cut off from important services because of their zip code. Despite that, digital discrimination is carried out against low-income neighborhoods, affecting their health, schooling, job, and resource outcomes. This work confirmed my passion for equity and justice.

To learn more about the Student Fellowship and apply, visit our website. We are accepting applications until May 6, 2025.

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.