Transforming Education Through Open: A Year of Impact

By Cailyn Nagle

As in previous years, the Open Educational Resources (OER) initiative focused on ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, free from high course material costs. In 2024, we supported the rollout of Governor Newsom’s $115 million investment in Zero Textbook Cost degrees, worked to protect students within the textbook marketplace, and remained committed to building a higher education system where every student has what they need to thrive.   

Conducting Surveys and Original Research  

understanding the student experience report cover

In line with the push to incorporate student feedback and perspectives, the OER program produced a survey on students’ experiences with automatic textbook billing. More than half of students, consistent with surveys from other organizations, felt that automatic textbook billing programs cost more than they saved. 

The survey found that most students remained in automatic billing programs because it was the quickest option and they didn’t know where to buy materials outside of the program. One student said, “It felt like more hassle to opt out than to pay out of pocket.” The survey also found that only one in 10 students prefer automatic billing, while over 40% prefer to find materials from off-campus sources. 

This survey aimed to start a conversation and invite further research on student preference. It also encouraged institutions to pause before enrolling students in programs to which they have not consented. 

Expanding the Student Fellows Program

Michelson 20MM Student Fellows present their work at OpenEd 2024
Michelson 20MM Student Fellows present their work at OpenEd 2024

Students continued to be the driving force behind the Michelson 20MM OER program. Building on the success of last year’s student fellowship program, each program within the organization welcomed a student fellow this year. Throughout the course of the program, the fellows worked on a specific, student-directed project within each initiative. 

Katie Wagman, now a senior at the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) remained an OER fellow. She was joined by Abba Schwartz, who transferred from Sierra College to the University of California (UC) Berkeley during the fellowship.    

As with last year, the fellowship centered on each student developing and running a local campaign focused on their program areas. Katie continued her advocacy, both on campus and nationally, to focus on student consumer protection in policies about automatic textbook billing. Katie gave public comment during the Department of Education negotiated rulemaking process and was published in the Hill. At UCLA, she worked with the library and campus bookstore to conduct a faculty survey. The survey aimed to better understand faculty views on textbook affordability initiatives and the newly expanded automatic textbook billing program. 

Abba’s project was focused on publicizing and expanding the visibility of the California Community College’s (CCC) Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Program. Abba worked with the ZTC Technical Advisor’s office and the Academic Senate’s OER Initiative (OERI) Committee to design and launch a “Good News” portal for ZTC success stories. She also created materials for CCC Student Basic Needs offices to publicize ZTC degree options to the students.

Building Community

Mayra Lombera, Michelson 20MM’s CEO, (right) with Elaine Correa (left), who traveled from CSU Bakersfield to connect with fellow advocates. Correa self-funded t-shirts on her campus to drive awareness about the benefits of OER.

Southern California is a region rich with higher education institutions. In Los Angeles County alone, there are over 30 colleges and universities. Despite this density, OER educators often feel siloed in their work and interests. To build a stronger OER movement and community in Southern California, Michelson 20MM launched two OER gatherings. These happy hour events allowed faculty, administrators, course designers, and others to gather, network, and share success and resources. 

Our first event, Hitting the Books, was held in North Hollywood to mark the start of the term. Educators from as far away as San Diego and Bakersfield joined us for an evening of good food and community. At the start of December, we hosted “OER: The Gift that Keeps Giving,” our second happy hour of the year in Torrance. Educators took a break from preparing for finals and grading end of term essays to celebrate their hard work and spend time in community. We are excited to hold more OER Happy Hour events in 2025!

Welcoming the Spark Grant Recipients

The 2024 OER Spark Grants funding cycle focused on supporting the data and research side of the ZTC program within the CCC system and supporting student organizing at the UC system. Both Chabot College and Glendale Community College are now in the middle of their research and data collection projects, with Chabot building a data dashboard and Glendale CC focused on ZTC course marking visibility. We were also thrilled to support GenerationUP, a student-run grassroots organization, in launching a textbook affordability campaign within the UC system. 

Outside of the Spark Grant cycle, the OER program teamed up with the Michelson 20MM Smart Justice Program to jointly support the work of the Transformative Collective Institute in training CCC educators whose students are incarcerated on how to leverage OER in their unique context. Last but not least, we were excited to help support the Student PIRGs’ newest report on automatic textbook billing contracts.  

Attending Coast-to-Coast Conferences 

The OER team joined the Association of Community College Trustees National Legislative Summit
The OER team joined the Association of Community College Trustees National Legislative Summit

From Washington, D.C., to the Bay Area, the Michelson 20MM OER team had the opportunity to be in community with educators across the country. 

Starting off the year with community colleges from around the nation, we joined the Community College National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. During the summer, we attended the CalOpen conference, where we had the opportunity to dig in on the open community in the Golden State. October took the team to New England then the Midwest, with first the Open Education Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, then to the Education Funders Conference in Minneapolis. 

OpenEd’s first hybrid conference since 2019 gave OER Fellows Abba and Katie an opportunity to uplift the work of students in the textbook accessibility space. Abba and Katie presented the work of the Michelson 20MM Student Fellows program and shared insights on how OER practitioners can work alongside students in the field. Katie then joined students from across the country in SPARC’s panel on students pushing back on the spread of automatic textbook billing. 

As 2025 approaches, we look back with gratitude on the work of partners and friends. We are also looking forward to continuing to build a world where every student has access to the materials they need to reach their goals. 

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. 

Driving Multigenerational Change for California’s Student Parents: A Year of Impact

By Dr. Queena Hoang

In 2024, the Michelson 20MM Foundation’s Student Basic Needs Initiative sought to increase persistence and graduation rates by driving systems change, conducting research, and identifying policies to support student basic needs.

As we continued the Michelson Pregnant and Parenting Student Project, a platform designed to increase support of California’s pregnant and parenting postsecondary students, we celebrated the following successes:

Highlighting the “State of Pregnant and Parenting Students in California”

A Look at the Major Strides AB 2881 Has Made for Student Parents

Assemblymember Marc Berman authored AB 2881, which Michelson 20MM’s sister organization the Michelson Center for Public Policy co-sponsored. Its passage represents major progress in serving nearly half a million student parents across California’s higher education systems. 

The bill’s author participated in our California State University (CSU) Student Parent Network to share insight on progress and implementation. Assemblymember Berman emphasized how the bill is designed to remove the barriers inhibiting academic success and degree attainment for student parents in our community colleges, CSUs, and UCs. In addition to bringing greater attention to their needs, the law grants priority registration for student parents and requires campuses to establish a student-parent webpage. It also necessitates that campuses provide more information to student parents about the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Due to its importance, Michelson 20MM hosted two webinars to highlight the impacts of this bill post-implementation. The webinars discussed key takeaways and lessons learned from practitioners and student parents who have benefited from it. 

Passage of a New Law 

AB 2458 Sacramento Day
Learning about student parent supports during the Student Basic Needs Sacramento Day

This year marked another pivotal time for student parents in California. On September 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2458, the Greater Accessibility, Information, Notice, and Support (GAINS) for Student Parents Act. It helps ensure 400,000+ student parents and their children are set on clearer paths to college success and multigenerational prosperity. 

The act was co-authored by Assemblymembers Berman, Arambula, and Boerner, along with Senators Ashby and Limón. Co-sponsored by the Michelson Center for Public Policy, the law is the first of its kind in the nation and a major victory for higher education equity. As a result, student parents will have enhanced financial aid access, institutions will automatically adjust a student parent’s cost of attendance to account for expenses such as childcare, campuses will uniformly collect and report data on student parents, and that data will be included in the Cradle to Career longitudinal data system. 

Launching the Michelson 20MM California Student Parent Pooled Fund 

In a landmark initiative to champion the needs of student parents, the Michelson 20MM Foundation was proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the California Student Parent Pooled Fund. 

The groundbreaking endeavor addresses the unique challenges student parents face, promoting equity and systemic change for this often overlooked demographic. Our inaugural cohort included the following organizations: Early Edge California, Northwestern University, Three Frame Media, and Urban Institute. 

Advancing a Sense of Belonging for Student Parents on Campus

In partnership with The Education Trust—West, we launched the CSU Student Parents Sense of Belonging Survey. The goal of the project is to increase understanding of and transparency around parenting students’ experiences and sense of belonging across the CSU system. 

Later this week, Michelson 20MM, together with The Education Trust—West, will host “The State of Pregnant and Parenting Students in California: Fostering a Sense of Belonging at CSUs.” The event will dive into the report’s key preliminary findings. We hope that the report will help uplift promising practices and supports that foster and sustain a sense of belonging for parenting students. The goal is that institutions across the CSUs incorporate the practices within their own campuses.

Forging Multigenerational Supports for Student Parents and Their Families

Raising Up Panel
Panel discusses “Raising Up”

This fall, we were proud to host the second annual “Forging Equitable Futures for Student Parents: A Statewide Summit.” The two-day event began at Regal LA Live on September 5th with a keynote address from Assemblymember Marc Berman. As he stated, “helping student parents will have a multiplier effect.” 

The evening featured a screening of “Raising Up,” a five-part docuseries investigating the barriers students face when pursuing higher education. It also showcases the innovative leaders creating generational impact. Day two of the event featured attendees including advocates, practitioners, philanthropists, systems leaders, student parents, and allies from all across the state to learn about evidence-based examples of success stories and build connections to sustain this growing movement. 

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, we are committed to driving multigenerational change at the micro level within families. At the same time, we will inspire systems change within California’s higher education ecosystem and policy change at the state level. Michelson 20MM is excited to formally work with and support the CSU Chancellor’s Office to implement a systemwide initiative in support of pregnant and parenting students across all 23 campuses. 

For student parents and their families, we hope to strengthen and create postsecondary and employment and workforce pathways. This will break intergenerational cycles of poverty and forge futures filled with economic opportunity and prosperity. Throughout the process, we’ll source solutions from student parents and the many advocates who have championed the importance of this work.

In closing, thank you to our partners, fellow advocates, and student parents for their unwavering support in driving these vital initiatives forward. Together, we are shaping a more equitable future for student parents and their families. We look forward to continuing this work with you into 2025. If you would like to get involved, please contact Dr. Queena Hoang, Student Basic Needs Senior Program Manager.

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. 

Democratizing Intellectual Property Education: A Year of Impact

By Chinwe Ohanele Agwu

As 2024 draws to a close, the Michelson Intellectual Property Institute (MIPI) celebrates a year full of achievements, milestones, and transformative initiatives. This year, we deepened our mission to democratize intellectual property (IP) education. The commitment was demonstrated by helping more communities access the knowledge and tools needed to innovate and thrive. From shining a spotlight on young inventors making their mark in California to expanding our impact across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 2024 has been extraordinary.

IP as Global Engagement

Bringing the World Together: Recap of the Global IP Conference at George State
MIPI is joined by USIPA Chair, Scott Frank at the Global IP Conference.

The year began on a high note as MIPI participated in the Global IP Conference at Georgia State University. This event gathered thought leaders, educators, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the transformative power of intellectual property. The conference highlighted key themes—education, IP ecosystem collaboration, and diversity—that align with MIPI’s core values.

MIPI participated in a panel exploring regional approaches to IP education. Panelists shared that in South America, IP education is largely policy-driven. We discussed ways non-profit organizations leverage global partnerships to teach IP within the context of entrepreneurship. The panel also explored MIPI’s modular institutional approach. Every participant recognized that IP education ultimately benefits learners around the world.

The global context continued beyond our panel. Experts addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence and IP. They also explored how Japan’s focus on bridging the gender gap in IP impacts the economy. Finally, others dove into Ecuador’s initiatives embracing linguistic and ethnic diversity. These discussions reinforced the need for inclusive strategies to empower underrepresented communities worldwide.

Championing Innovation in K-12 Education

Senator Josh Newman is joined by students who are excited to see the resolution pass.

Passed in August, Senate Resolution 106 (SR106) marked a significant victory for IP awareness, designating October as California’s inaugural IP Awareness Month. The passage of the resolution resulted directly from advocacy and collaboration among students, educators, and policymakers. We stood proudly alongside students from Mira Loma High School, Le Grand Elementary, and Calistoga Unified Junior-Senior High School as they gathered at the State Capitol for the historic moment.

Building on the momentum of SR106, MIPI kicked off the “Ideas to Invention” webinar series, aimed at highlighting the ingenuity of young inventors. On the first webinar we hosted in partnership with the California Intellectual Property Alliance (CAIPA), students from Mira Loma shared the development of the Coolar, a smart dog collar that alerts owners to hazardous sidewalk temperatures. On the next webinar, Calistoga students showcased their wearable cooling devices designed for firefighters and agricultural workers. These inventions, driven by real-world challenges, demonstrated how IP education can inspire innovative solutions and empower students to protect their ideas.

The series also provided an opportunity for patent attorneys to discuss the process of securing intellectual property rights. By partnering with young inventors, the attorneys demystified the patenting process and emphasized the importance of protecting creativity at every stage.

Expanding the HBCU Ecosystem

The panel discussion took place July 30th in Atlanta as part of the UNCF Unite conference. Left to right: Dr. Muhsinah Morris, Morehouse College; Dr. Erica Johnson, Morehouse School of Medicine; Dr. Barney Graham, Morehouse School of Medicine; and moderator MIIP Sr. Program Manager Chinwe Ohanele Agwu.
The panel discussion took place July 30th in Atlanta as part of the UNCF Unite conference.

MIPI’s work with HBCUs reached new heights in 2024. At the UNCF UNITE Conference, MIPI partnered with the Michelson Medical Research Foundation to host a groundbreaking panel exploring the research and innovation ecosystem at HBCUs.

The panel featured:

  • Dr. Barney Graham, Professor of Medicine and Senior Advisor for Global Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine
  • Dr. Erica Johnson, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, and Co-Director of the Vaccine Trials Unit at Morehouse School of Medicine
  • Dr. Muhsinah Morris, Virtual Reality Pioneer, Director of Morehouse in the Metaverse, and Assistant Professor of Education at Morehouse College

These experts explored how HBCUs can leverage research, technology transfer, and innovation. Their conversations focused on overcoming systemic barriers and building a thriving innovation ecosystem with lasting impact. Discussions also emphasized the vital role of tech transfer offices, the current obstacles that limit the potential of researchers at HBCUs, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation.

The HBCU Futures Collaborative Impact Report
Download The HBCU Futures Collaborative Impact Report

Additionally, MIPI published the HBCU Futures Collaborative Impact Report, which outlined progress in integrating IP education into the HBCU ecosystem. Arguably one of the year’s most significant achievements, the report illustrates  the transformative power of equipping students and faculty with IP knowledge and resources, positioning them to lead in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The launch of MIPI’s Legal Fellowship Program was another landmark moment in 2024. The inaugural fellowship, designed to address the glaring lack of diversity in IP law, welcomed its first fellow, Elleyse Garrett, a second-year law student at Loyola Law School. Guided by Professor Lateef Mtima of Howard University, Ms. Garrett has already begun critical research to understand the IP offerings and gaps within the HBCU landscape.

Ms. Garrett’s work aims to bridge gaps in the literature about how HBCUs are building their innovation ecosystems. MIPI believes this work will guide other foundations and investors in accelerating research and innovation within the HBCU ecosystem.

Welcoming a New Cohort of HBCU Innovators

Building on the successes of the HBCU IP Futures Collaborative, MIPI welcomed a new cohort of educators dedicated to advancing IP education across their campuses. This cohort represents a diverse range of institutions and disciplines, united by their commitment to empowering the next generation of inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

The educators will integrate IP frameworks into their curricula, foster a culture of innovation, and address the specific needs of their students. Scaling our impact through this cohort, MIPI is ensuring that HBCUs remain at the forefront of innovation and economic empowerment.  Learn more about the HBCU IP Futures Collaborative through our website and join us in welcoming this year’s cohort:

Looking Ahead

 As we reflect on 2024, we feel inspired by our progress and the partnerships forged. This year, we witnessed how intellectual property drives innovation, equity, and opportunity across diverse communities.

From the young inventors shaping our future to the educators transforming HBCUs into hubs of innovation, MIPI’s work is a testament to the transformative potential of IP education. As we step into 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to democratize intellectual property and build a more inclusive world where creativity and innovation can flourish.

Here’s to a future filled with inspiration, collaboration, and groundbreaking achievements!

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. 

Generational Changemakers: 2024 Smart Justice Spark Grantees

Healing & Justice Center, Impact Justice, Indigenous Justice, Transfer Coalition Initiative

The Michelson 20MM Foundation has selected four organizations as part of its 2024 Smart Justice Spark Grantees cohort, each focused on supporting vulnerable populations through education, healing, and reentry programs. Their projects aim to reduce recidivism, address systemic challenges, and create pathways for empowerment, particularly for women, youth, tribal communities, and individuals pursuing higher education.

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Welcoming the 2024 Smart Justice Spark Grant Community Advisors

Welcoming the 2024 Smart Justice Spark Grant Community Advisors

The 2024 Smart Justice Spark Grant Community Advisors, including Ryan Flaco Rising, Alejandra Gutierrez, Azucena Wood Hardesty, and Gail Yen, bring invaluable expertise to support systems-impacted individuals. Their perspective will help focus on enhancing education and workforce development for incarcerated women and their families, fostering sustainable change and reducing recidivism.

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How Campuses Can Celebrate Student Parents through Support, Advocacy, and Recognition

By Dr. Queena Hoang

As National Student Parent Month comes to a close and campuses welcome students back, student parents face a unique set of challenges that require tailored support from educational institutions. While many students are excited for the time of fresh beginnings, new friendships, and the chance to get involved with clubs and organizations, student parents experience time poverty. These students juggle the demands of coursework, parenting, and often employment. This creates a complex balancing act that can impact their academic success and overall well-being.

There are many ways in which institutions can support parenting students as they navigate the start of the academic year. Institutions can make the effort to recognize student parents’ unique needs and demonstrate a commitment to their overall success by offering intentional support services and tailored programming. Below are examples of programmatic offerings and policies institutions can implement to welcome their parenting students on campus. 

Building a Supportive Community: Encouraging Peer-to-Peer Connections

Isolation can be a significant barrier for parenting students, who may struggle to connect with non-parenting students. Building a supportive community can help alleviate this isolation and provide a network of understanding peers. Institutions can:

Create Parenting Student Organizations: Establishing or supporting student organizations specifically for parenting students can foster a sense of community and belonging. Moreno Valley College has a peer-led student support group for parents to discuss challenges and successes as they attend college. Activities include a book club, clothing exchanges, virtual and in-person meet-ups, and more. These groups provide a space for parenting students to share experiences, offer mutual support, and advocate for their needs within the university. 

Host Family-Friendly Events: Colleges and universities can organize events that are inclusive of students and their families, such as a family-friendly student orientation, family movie nights, picnics, or educational workshops. The events provide a break from academic pressures. At the same time, they allow parenting students to connect with others in similar situations.

Provide Mentorship Programs: Pairing new parenting students with more experienced student-parents can provide valuable mentorship and guidance. These relationships can offer advice and emotional support, which helps students navigate the challenges of balancing academics and parenting.

Develop Comprehensive Support Programs and Resources

Institutions can offer programs and resources that specifically cater to parenting students. These can include childcare services, family-friendly housing, and financial assistance targeted at student-parents. Institutions such as the University of California, Santa Cruz, Mt. San Antonio College, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo have pioneered such initiatives with their student parent resources program, which offers a range of services from childcare subsidies to parenting workshops.

Flexible Academic Policies: Parenting students often require flexible academic policies to accommodate their responsibilities. This can include offering evening or online classes, allowing part-time enrollment, and providing lenient attendance policies. By offering these options, institutions empower parenting students to balance their academic and family obligations effectively.

Dedicated Counseling and Advising: Parenting students benefit from access to dedicated counselors and academic advisors who understand their unique challenges. These professionals can help students navigate the complexities of balancing academic and parenting responsibilities. Counselors provide guidance on time management, stress reduction, and academic planning—all tremendous resources for student parents.

Flexible Learning Environments: Adapting to Diverse Needs

Flexible learning environments are crucial for parenting students, who often need to fit their studies around their parenting responsibilities. Institutions can support this by:

Offering Online and Hybrid Courses: The availability of online and hybrid courses can be a game-changer for parenting students, allowing them to manage their time and reduce the need for on-campus presence. These courses should be designed with flexibility in mind, offering asynchronous learning options and recorded lectures.

Child-Friendly Study Spaces: Providing designated study spaces where children are welcome can make a significant difference for parenting students. These spaces should be equipped with amenities including comfortable seating, play areas, and access to technology. 

Accommodating Technology Needs: Parenting students may have limited access to technology or need specific accommodations to participate fully in their coursework. Providing laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other resources can help bridge the digital divide, ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed.

Creating a Equitable Policies to Support Parenting Students 

Priority Registration for Parenting Students: California institutions have made tremendous strides in implementing AB2881, which grants student parents priority registration. This allows students to schedule classes that fit their unique time constraints. By giving parenting students early access to registration, institutions can help them build a schedule that accommodates both their academic and parenting duties.

Adjusting Cost of Attendance for Childcare Expenses: Traditional calculations of the cost of attendance often fail to account for the additional financial burdens faced by parenting students, particularly when it comes to childcare. A new California bill, AB 2458, calls for institutions to consider automatically adjusting the cost of attendance for student parents. The goal is for this to include childcare expenses, thereby allowing parenting students to receive more financial aid. This, in turn, allows parenting students to focus more on their studies.

Supporting parenting students as they begin the school year is about creating a culture of inclusion, empathy, and flexibility. In doing so, institutions not only support the success of these students but also contribute to the future of their children. By making a strong institutional commitment, fostering a supportive community, and providing a variety of learning options, colleges and universities are actively contributing to the academic and personal success of their parenting students. 

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.