The coronavirus pandemic drives us to accelerate our research and hone in on the relationship between higher education and workforce as more Californians lose their jobs at a rapid pace while many employers can’t find enough qualified workers. On this page, you'll find California Competes's policy research and analysis as well as additional resources related to COVID-19, higher education, and workforce.
This commentary, authored by California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez, was published by CalMatters on June 25, 2021.
California Competes’s recent webinar, “Critical Care: Increasing the Capacity of Allied Health Training Programs,” featured subject experts, leaders from government and higher education, and critical new research funded by Futuro Health.
In this report, we analyze the barriers limiting our supply of allied health professionals and offer solutions for addressing an anticipated annual shortage of up to 37,000 workers. Among the most significant challenges at hand are pipeline “bottlenecks,” wherein more students are trying to fulfill their required clinical hours than there are clinical hours available. The report identifies key strategies to meet the need for clinical placements as well as solutions specific to the bottleneck issue.
For the 6.8 million Californians ages 25–54 with a high school education but no associate’s or bachelor’s degree, employment prospects are increasingly limited—especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt plans for future education, employers’ expectations, available positions, and more.
Focused on strategies to innovate and correct pervasive inequities in higher education, California Competes’s policy priorities outline five key goals to advance student outcomes and power the state economy.
The Silicon Valley Business Journal and San Francisco Business Times published commentary from California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez and California Business Roundtable Executive Vice President Kirk Clark on January 8, 2021. Ensuring that students from underserved backgrounds can successfully apply for internships, afford to accept such positions, and have the technological capabilities and equipment to complete them are outcomes that support California Competes’s broader goals regarding higher education and workforce alignment.
EdSource published commentary from California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez and ECMC Foundation President Peter J. Taylor, calling for better access to high-speed internet. Broadband access aligns with California Competes’s commitment to equity by ensuring that every Californian has the connectivity they need to pursue higher education and engage in an increasingly web-centered world.
Dr. Lande Ajose, senior policy advisor for higher education to Governor Gavin Newsom, and Peter Taylor, president of the ECMC Foundation and California State University (CSU) trustee, shed light on coordination in higher education during the Postsecondary to Prosperity webinar, which featured a discussion on how the state must respond during these uncertain times.
Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez joined Neptune Ops Partner and Co-Founder Bryan Miller on his podcast, “Nation State of Play,” to discuss how higher education and workforce in California can emerge from COVID-19 stronger and more equitable than before. Their conversation covered California Competes’s research priorities, the importance of consistent statewide policymaking and coordination, credit for prior learning, and more.
This webinar explores how higher education systems can be transformed so California’s post-pandemic future can be one where every Californian has the opportunity to thrive. The webinar features Governor Gavin Newsom’s Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education Dr. Lande Ajose and ECMC President Peter J. Taylor as panelists and California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez as moderator.
Governor Newsom signed a $202.1 billion budget spending plan earlier this week that was passed by the California Legislature. The budget passed demonstrates our elected leaders’ hope for a quick economic recovery and relies on significant support from the federal government.
This commentary written by Califorina Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez advocates for more comprehensive and consistent credit for prior learning (CPL) policies at California colleges and universities. CPL aligns with our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable post-pandemic future.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on current economic realities is especially significant as Governor Gavin Newsom released a stark 2020-21 May Revision budget proposal.
California leaders face an urgent need to address the COVID-19 pandemic and build a resilient and inclusive state economy. Policymakers must prioritize equitable postsecondary and workforce opportunities and outcomes to ensure our state’s regional economies and communities can weather this crisis, recover quickly, and withstand future threats.
California Competes’ new research takes a closer look at the 6.8 million Californians aged 25-64 who graduated from high school and didn’t attend or finish college. More vulnerable to unemployment, this population would greatly benefit from streamlined pathways to degrees and certificates.
California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez shares how our organization aims to support our state’s recovery and ensure that we’re better positioned to withstand the devastating effects of a future crisis.
The latest information related to California's response to COVID-19 is curated here and includes data on the number of cases as well as guidance for individuals and businesses.
Access guidance from the state for workers and employers.
Important answers about financial aid and additional resources for students are offered on CSAC's website.
OnwardCA.org is a one-stop resource for Californians impacted by job loss.