A $3 million grant from the Gates Foundation is advancing UC Merced’s efforts to expand educational pathways and improve college and career outcomes for thousands of high-school students across the San Joaquin Valley.
The funding is part of the Gates Foundation's Pathways initiative, which aims to ensure that all students, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, are equipped to navigate the transitions from high school to college and meaningful careers. The initiative places special focus on students from underserved communities who have historically had the fewest resources and support when it comes to life after high school.
The need is especially acute in the Valley. While students from the region graduate from high school at rates comparable to the rest of California, only 16% go on to earn college degrees – nearly half of the statewide rate of 37%.
One of the project's key goals is expanding dual enrollment, which allows high school students to get a head start on college by earning credit before they set foot on a college campus. Research indicates these students are more likely to enroll in higher education institutions and earn college degrees or credentials. The grant will support efforts to extend that advantage to far more students across the Valley.
UC Merced's Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) administers the grant and serves as the regional intermediary. As the effort’s hub, CEP coordinates funding, technical support and shared learning across a network of community partners, as well as distributing sub-awards to local school districts and colleges committed to developing and strengthening educational pathways.
"We're honored that the Gates Foundation has asked the Center for Educational Partnerships to support the targeted implementation of pathways, data infrastructures and partnerships,” said Orquidea Largo, UC Merced's associate vice chancellor and chief outreach officer. “Collectively, UC Merced CEP, K-12 and our regional community college partners will braid efforts to elevate the impactful work already underway.”
This past academic year, the project directly supported two school districts in Merced County and one in Tulare County, collectively representing more than 25,000 students. More than 90% of students in the target areas come from the initiative's priority populations, including Hispanic/Latino students and those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
"We are building systems that support innovation, equity and meaningful opportunities for all students," said Bryan Ballenger, superintendent of Gustine Unified School District, one of the partner districts. "We are grateful for the partnership and shared commitment to preparing students for success in college, career and life."
Regional community colleges, which are central to expanding dual enrollment and creating clear pathways to four-year degrees, are key collaborators in the initiative as well.
"This investment represents a critical step forward in strengthening college readiness in the Modesto Junior College service area, particularly for students who have historically faced barriers to access," said Modesto Junior College Vice President of Instruction Patrick Bettencourt. "By leveraging real-time data and deepening our shared understanding of student needs, we can create clearer, more equitable pathways from high school to higher education."
Merced College, another partner institution, shares that commitment.
"This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to providing students with transformative educational opportunities," said Michael McCandless, vice president of Student Services. "We look forward to the lasting positive impact this work will have on our future leaders and the communities we serve."
The Gates Foundation selected the Valley as one of a small number of regions across California, where it sees the greatest potential for this student-success model, to share it as a blueprint for other communities.
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