Perspectives by Monica Martinez

Every Voice Shines New Light

The value of an idea increases exponentially when it’s shared. From our staff, partners and grantees to the people impacted by their efforts, each perspective offers new insight into the critical issues at the heart of our work.

Monica Martinez Program Director, College Success

Monica leads the Fund’s strategies and partnerships to advance a level playing field in higher education and broaden access to a bachelor’s degree in California.

See Monica’s Perspectives

A group of four students and a professor walk together on a campus pathway, talking and smiling in front of a historic building.

Transferring From Community College Is Too Hard

September 29, 2025 | by

Students face too many inequitable barriers on the path to a four-year institution

We’re working with partners to tackle a big part of the problem: lost credits

Why This MattersCommunity college is an affordable, accessible on-ramp to a bachelor’s degree—especially for students who are low-income, first-generation, or from communities of color. With 2.1 million students at…

Two graduates in red gowns help adjust the cap of another graduate before a ceremony.

Broken Promise: Fixing the Community College Transfer Process

September 29, 2025 | by

A Q&A with Jessie Ryan, the president of the Campaign for College Opportunity

Streamlining the transfer process for community college students seeking to enroll in a four-year college or university is a critical issue for equity in higher education

Jessie Ryan, president of Haas Jr. grant partner the Campaign for College Opportunity, has spent the last two decades pushing for policies that not only open the doors to college but ensure students walk out with de…

New Report: Mapping California’s Higher Ed Advocacy Coalitions

June 17, 2025 | by

The report is authored by Ria Bhatt of Mandala Strategies

It draws on interviews with 25 coalition leaders and profiles more than 20 active advocacy efforts across the state.

The Haas, Jr. Fund is working with partners across California to ensure that all students can find their way to a bachelor’s degree and the opportunities that come with it. In the course of this work, we identified…

An adult student celebrating his graduation with his daughter

Reimagining Higher Education in California

June 16, 2025 | by

Building “Student-Centered” Solutions

California Competes is a top policy and research organization in the state focused on ensuring that more students from underserved communities reach college and thrive in meaningful career paths.

Su Jin Jez’s parents, a military veteran and a U.S. immigrant, never had the chance to complete college. But they made sure their daughter and her older brother pursued a higher education and all the opportunities t…

Promotional graphic for The Class docuseries

Following Six Students as They Chase Their College Dreams

March 12, 2025 | by

New PBS Docuseries, "The Class," Premiering March 18

The Haas, Jr. Fund is honored to help sponsor this documentary as part of our commitment to expanding college access for more students.

Navigating the college application and admissions process is never easy, especially for low-income students of color who may be the first in their families to go to college. A dramatic PBS docuseries funded in part…

Student conversing with her high school counselor

Supporting Students in Their College Journey

September 20, 2024 | by

SoCal CAN Played a Lead Role in Organizing Groups to Respond to the FAFSA Crisis

Through collaborative partnerships with over 60 groups, SoCal CAN has amplified the voices of students impacted by this year’s FAFSA complications and served as a critical bridge between policymakers and community organizations.

The release of the new “simpler” Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier this year caused unprecedented chaos. A three-month delay and ongoing technical issues left students and families struggling…

A college graduate photographed after receiving her diploma

Expanding Access to a Bachelor’s Degree for More Students

March 25, 2024 | by

Checking in with two leaders blazing paths to equity in higher education

Countless students in California and nationwide face real barriers navigating to and through college.

There is no question that what happens in November will have huge implications when it comes to education policy and investments at all levels of government. This year’s problems with the Federal Application for Stu…

Closeup of a graduation cap that reads "Paving the way for my familia and comunidad. Educated mujer first gen"

Degrees of Difference

January 3, 2024 | by

Research Shows the Need to Reduce Barriers to a Bachelor's Degree in California

Despite a bachelor's degree being the big equalizer in society, research shows that significant disparities for Black, Latino, and Native American students persist when it comes to college access and degree completion in California.

With tuition outpacing inflation and the costs for student housing, books, and other necessities on the rise, students and families are questioning the value of a college degree. As a recent article in The New York…