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Recommitting to Affordability in California’s Higher Ed System
In 1960, California released a Master Plan for higher education that was bold for its time, rooted in principles of accessibility, affordability, quality, and fairness. But much has changed since the mid-20th century. Budget restrictions arising from Proposition 13, changes in student demographics, and shifts in the labor market necessitate a reimagined master plan for the 21st century.
In this episode of Degrees of Change, Dr. Su Jin Jez sits down with Dr. Christopher J. Nellum, the executive director of EdTrust-West, to reflect on the enduring relevance of the Master Plan’s guiding principles and how the state can recommit to those principles.
Key Topics
- Needed changes to financial aid so more Californians can afford college
- Reducing regional inequities in access to higher education
- Strengthening alignment of the state’s TK-12, college, and workforce systems
Our Guest, Dr. Christopher J. Nellum
EdTrust-West’s Dr. Christopher J. Nellum is leader on educational equity in California whose work spans TK to higher education. He draws from his experiences in Head Start, growing up in a rural part of California, and benefiting from the support of a high school guidance counselor who helped him secure government grants that were essential for being able to attend college.
Dr. Nellum has served in roles with the National Center for Institutional Diversity, Young Invincibles, and the American Council on Education. Nellum earned his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara, master’s degree at CSU Long Beach, and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan.
Resources and Links
- From Institutions to Individuals: A Paradigm Shift for California’s Master Plan for Higher Education - Written as part of a UCLA Civil Rights Project series on the future of education and civil rights in California, our white paper explores a bold, equity-centered vision for California’s postsecondary system—one built to endure varying economic cycles, aligned with today’s economic and societal needs, and strengthens pathways to opportunity.
- California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy - Learn more about our work.
Stay Connected
Be on the lookout for our new podcast series commemorating our 15 year anniversary, Crystal Clear, which launches early 2026, and where we will explore a shared vision for the future of California higher ed.
- Subscribe to Degrees of Change on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
- Sign up to receive updates.
- Follow California Competes on LinkedIn.
View all episodes
By California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong EconomyIn 1960, California released a Master Plan for higher education that was bold for its time, rooted in principles of accessibility, affordability, quality, and fairness. But much has changed since the mid-20th century. Budget restrictions arising from Proposition 13, changes in student demographics, and shifts in the labor market necessitate a reimagined master plan for the 21st century.
In this episode of Degrees of Change, Dr. Su Jin Jez sits down with Dr. Christopher J. Nellum, the executive director of EdTrust-West, to reflect on the enduring relevance of the Master Plan’s guiding principles and how the state can recommit to those principles.
Key Topics
- Needed changes to financial aid so more Californians can afford college
- Reducing regional inequities in access to higher education
- Strengthening alignment of the state’s TK-12, college, and workforce systems
Our Guest, Dr. Christopher J. Nellum
EdTrust-West’s Dr. Christopher J. Nellum is leader on educational equity in California whose work spans TK to higher education. He draws from his experiences in Head Start, growing up in a rural part of California, and benefiting from the support of a high school guidance counselor who helped him secure government grants that were essential for being able to attend college.
Dr. Nellum has served in roles with the National Center for Institutional Diversity, Young Invincibles, and the American Council on Education. Nellum earned his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara, master’s degree at CSU Long Beach, and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan.
Resources and Links
- From Institutions to Individuals: A Paradigm Shift for California’s Master Plan for Higher Education - Written as part of a UCLA Civil Rights Project series on the future of education and civil rights in California, our white paper explores a bold, equity-centered vision for California’s postsecondary system—one built to endure varying economic cycles, aligned with today’s economic and societal needs, and strengthens pathways to opportunity.
- California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy - Learn more about our work.
Stay Connected
Be on the lookout for our new podcast series commemorating our 15 year anniversary, Crystal Clear, which launches early 2026, and where we will explore a shared vision for the future of California higher ed.
- Subscribe to Degrees of Change on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
- Sign up to receive updates.
- Follow California Competes on LinkedIn.