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.

Perspectives by Monica Martinez

Perspectives That Match Filter Criteria

Student and Teacher at table

Higher Ed’s New Normal: Delivering on the Promise of Online Learning

| by Monica Martinez

Emerging “hybrid learning” models can expand access and opportunity

Online learning is here to stay. The question isn’t whether it can replace the traditional college experience. It’s how we make it work better for the students who rely on it.

Over the last decade, we’ve seen a transformation in how students experience higher education. It’s no longer just about attending in-person classes in a campus setting; more and more students are taking classes onl…

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People walking on a path surrounded by trees at a university

Funders Want Impact, Strong Coalitions Can Deliver It

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

Coalitions drive change—yet many funders still hesitate to support them.

The coalition’s impact is remarkable but it’s not sustainable without investment. And its story underscores some clear to-dos for philanthropy from our report.

This op-ed was first published by the Center for Effective Philanthropy on April 23, 2026.College Success Programs Director Monica Martinez's and Ria Sengupta Bhatt's op-ed shows how coalitions drive lasting change—…

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Woman holding Emmy award on basketball court

Kiana’s Story: How Hybrid Higher Education Supports Today’s Students

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

Her Story Reveals So Much About Our Current System of Higher Education

With its “hybrid” program, ASU Local has reimagined the college experience for thousands of students across the country, with 82% of its students coming from underrepresented communities

At the Haas, Jr. Fund, we believe a bachelor’s degree should be within reach for all students—especially first-generation and low-income students, and those who need the flexibility to work while pursuing their coll…

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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

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

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…

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

Broken Promise: Fixing the Community College Transfer Process

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

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…

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Photo of a college graduate

New Report: Mapping California’s Higher Ed Advocacy Coalitions

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

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…

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An adult student celebrating his graduation with his daughter

Reimagining Higher Education in California

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

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…

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Promotional graphic for The Class docuseries

Following Six Students as They Chase Their College Dreams

| by Monica Martinez in College Success

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…

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