Expanding College Access Through Direct Admission
Lead Author: Christopher Cabaldon, State Senator – California, CACategory: Education
The Challenge
Declining enrollment at the California State University (CSU) system and low college-continuation rates among qualified high school seniors point to structural barriers in higher education access. For example, nine CSU campuses saw enrollment drop by 11% or more between 2015 and 2024. Students too often fail to apply due to lack of awareness, process complexity or psychological barriers.The Solution
Senator Cabaldon proposes a direct‐admission model for the CSU system in which qualified high-school seniors receive an automatic admission letter listing campuses with available capacity—eliminating the need for a traditional application.Key elements:
- Automatic admission letters to eligible students who meet preset criteria.
- Broad outreach to first-generation and under-represented students, reducing reliance on students initiating the application process themselves.
- Embedded support structures—advising, financial-aid guidance and orientation—to ease transition into college.
Why It Matters
This model reframes college as the “13th grade” and reduces both psychological and procedural barriers for students who are academically eligible but under‐enrolled. A successful pilot in one county contacted 17,000 students, with 13,200 completing required paperwork—3,000 more than the prior year.By automatically extending offers of admission, the policy has the potential to bolster enrollment, increase equity in higher education access, and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline.
Impact & Measurement
Senator Cabaldon’s plan uses data-driven metrics to gauge success, including:- Number of direct‐admission letters issued to high school seniors.
- Enrollment rates of direct‐admit cohorts compared with previous years.
- Retention and graduation rates of students admitted via the direct-admission route.
- Trends in representation by income level, race/ethnicity and first-generation status among admitted students.
Expanding Access to Affordable Education: Student Empowerment Fund
Lead Author: Michael Frerichs, Treasurer – IllinoisCategory: Economic Opportunity & Affordability
The Challenge
With federal student-debt relief winding down and tuition costs continuing to outpace family budgets, many students in Illinois face a gap in funding as they pursue higher education. Traditional private student loans often carry high interest rates—some exceeding 15%—making them prohibitively expensive for students who have already exhausted federal aid. States are under pressure to expand access and affordability, especially for students from low- and middle-income families who are often forced to select cheaper or shorter programs because of cost.The Solution
The Student Empowerment Fund (SEF) offers a new financing model by using a portion of the state’s investment portfolio to back affordable student-loan options and refinancing for Illinois residents. Key features:- Utilizes up to 5% of the state investment portfolio to partner with non-profit and alternative lenders offering lower-cost loans.
- Caps interest rates for most borrowers at 7%, and 9.99% for borrowers facing financial barriers, significantly below many private lenders.
- Targets students at nonprofit colleges and universities and helps bridge the gap when federal aid and grants aren’t sufficient.
Why It Matters
By lowering borrowing costs and expanding eligible loan options, the SEF aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education and thereby strengthen Illinois’ workforce pipeline. Affordable debt improves students’ ability to complete their degrees, start careers, invest in homes, and contribute to the economy. With better financing terms, students are less burdened by high monthly payments and long-term interest, supporting both individual financial health and broader economic stability.Impact & Measurement
Initial results and key metrics include:- As of July 2025, SEF has invested $27.5 million, assisting roughly 700 loans for 515 borrowers, at an average interest rate of 5.79%—versus ~10.63% at major private lenders.
- Metrics to track going forward: number of loans issued, average interest rate achieved, borrower demographics (income level, first-generation status), default/repayment rates, and long-term degree completion/earnings outcomes.
Connecticut Online AI Academy
Lead Author: James Maroney (State Senator – Connecticut)Category: Economic Opportunity & Affordability
The Challenge
As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes the modern economy, many workers and residents lack access to foundational training and credentials that reflect these shifting demands. Without accessible and affordable upskilling opportunities, job seekers risk falling behind while employers face talent-gaps in productivity and innovation. The challenge: scale training in AI literacy and applications in a way that is free, flexible, and inclusive.The Solution
The Connecticut Online AI Academy — a collaboration between Charter Oak State College and Google — offers no-cost, fully online training that prepares Connecticut residents for an AI-driven workforce. Key features include:- Free access for all residents, regardless of prior technical experience.
- Curriculum central to the program includes the Google AI Essentials certificate badge and training in generative-AI tools and prompt‐engineering.
- Flexible, asynchronous online format enabling adults, working professionals and newcomers to participate on their own schedule.
- Early rollout success: the academy enrolled 1,600 residents in its first week.
Why It Matters
By removing cost and access barriers to AI training, the academy opens a direct pathway into skills that employers increasingly prioritize. Data show that a majority of knowledge-economy jobs now expect some familiarity with AI tools. The initiative therefore addresses workforce readiness, economic opportunity, and equity—ensuring that all Connecticut residents, not just those with prior technical backgrounds, can engage in the digital economy.Impact & Measurement
Success will be measured by:- Enrollment numbers and completion rates of the program (e.g., 1,600 enrolled in week one).
- Workforce outcomes: proportion of participants who move into roles requiring AI literacy, or who see improved job performance or earnings.
- Scalability: ability to expand cohort size and sustain cost-free access across the state.
