Report California’s Higher Education Funding Landscape By Kevin Cook, Jacob Jackson, Iwunze Ugo May 15, 2024 What is in store for higher education funding when pandemic supports end? A new report examines the potential near-term challenges due to a shrinking student base and massive state deficit. It also discusses how institutions are preparing for budget shortfalls, noting that higher tuition at four-year colleges could create difficulties for many students and their families.
blog post The End of Affordable Connectivity? By Joseph Hayes, Eric Assan May 15, 2024 This month marks the end of a federal program that helped low-income households afford internet access. Nearly 3 million California households—half of those eligible—were enrolled.
Report How Did Pandemic Recovery Funding Support California Community Colleges? By Olga Rodriguez, Daniel Payares-Montoya, Kevin Cook May 8, 2024 How did California Community Colleges use billions of dollars in federal pandemic aid, and what were the outcomes? A new report explores how these investments contributed to positive student engagement and a successful transition to online classes. It also offers policy suggestions for sustained momentum forward.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: How Did Pandemic Recovery Funding Support California Community Colleges? By Olga Rodriguez, Daniel Payares-Montoya, Kevin Cook, Chansonette Buck May 8, 2024 Much of the pandemic recovery funding went directly to students—even that earmarked for institutional support. Investments reported to enhance student equity, success, and enrollment include making college more affordable, expanding student supports and services, and increasing flexibility in course modality.
blog post Testimony: Enhancing California’s Wage Data Can Help Improve Its Economic Future By Sarah Bohn Apr 30, 2024 At a hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Career Technology and the New Economy, PPIC researcher Sarah Bohn discussed how improvements in the state's collection of wage data could inform strategies for promoting economic growth and opportunity.
Fact Sheet California’s Nutrition Safety Net By Tess Thorman, Patricia Malagon Apr 24, 2024 Millions of Californians participate in more than 15 programs designed to help them access nutritious food; these programs also reduce poverty. CalFresh, the largest nutrition program, provides low-income families with monthly food-buying resources. Other large programs serve pregnant Californians, young children, and K–12 students.
Report California’s Care Workforce By Shannon McConville, Daniel Payares-Montoya, Sarah Bohn Apr 3, 2024 State master plans on the aging population and early learning and care have prioritized workforce expansion and career pathways for care workers who provide key services to young children, older residents, and people with disabilities. A new report outlines current realities and highlights challenges and opportunities in growing this critical workforce.
blog post As Internet Usage Grows, Californians Are Concerned about Online Security By Joseph Hayes Apr 3, 2024 With a record-high share of Californians using the internet at home, online privacy and security are key issues. Identity theft and credit card or banking fraud are the top concerns among the state's residents.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: California’s Care Workforce By Shannon McConville, Daniel Payares-Montoya, Sarah Bohn, Mary Severance Apr 3, 2024 Demand for caregiving services is growing as California’s population ages and as the state invests in early childhood care and learning. There are many workforce challenges—including low pay and limited opportunities for advancement. Efforts in several key areas could improve prospects for care workers and help California meet its caregiving needs.
