Strengthening California Community Colleges: Research and Leadership Frontiers at a Time of Recovery

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This symposium will feature an interactive conversation between researchers and leaders about the current challenges and opportunities for strengthening community colleges to meet the needs of the communities and students they serve. The conversation will be anchored in several research-practice partnerships between scholars and California Community College leaders. These partnerships will feature work aimed at understanding: (1) leadership for equity during turbulent times; (2) efforts to strengthen basic needs and resources for key student populations; and (3) structural and policy changes that center racial equity. The symposium will conclude with a broader conversation on the critical research and practice needs facing community colleges amidst pandemic recovery efforts.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Participants

• Julianna Barnes, Cuyamaca College

• Edward Bush, Cosumnes River College

• Fracisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Community College District

• Cecilia Rios-Aguilar, University of California - Los Angeles

Moderator

• Michal Kurlaender, University of California - Davis

Panelist

• Claudia Escobar, MDRC