Opinion

The Statewide College Promise: An Important Investment in the Future of California

Published

9 years ago

September 11, 2017

By Jowel C. Laguerre, Ph.D., Chancellor, Peralta Community College District

Toward the end of his administration, President Obama introduced the idea of free college tuition for students attending a community college.

This aspiration has fueled a community college “movement,” which, at the Peralta Community College District alone, has inspired the Peralta Promise, the Oakland Promise, the Alameda Promise, and the Berkeley Promise. But there is much work to do. Each Promise cannot guarantee at this time a tuition free education, but it has guaranteed a commitment and strategy to help young people into and through a two-year college – including a tuition-free first year – along with realizing their desires to transfer to four year colleges.

Already some funds were set aside last year for the California Promise. Grants were given to a few community college districts to support, start, or grow their Promise programs. A current bill will ensure that more funds be made available to more fully implement the various promises to increase student access to an affordable college education, whether training for a career or preparing to transfer to a four-year university. One can measure the effectiveness of local and state Promise funding simply by listening to the many stories about how students’ and their families’ lives have been forever changed.

Critically, a statewide Promise will provide for greater access. It’s no secret that as the cost to attend California’s public universities continues to rise – and more students and their families rely on community colleges to save tens of thousands of dollars. The current Promise programs are very limited in their reach and offer access only to a few students. For various reasons, some students may not even be aware of the existence of the Promise programs. It’s our job to make sure they are informed about their college opportunities, for them and as an investment in the future of our communities.

The “Oakland Promise” has been one of the most heralded programs in the nation and is the most comprehensive I have seen, aiming to ensure every Oakland student from kindergarten through high school is able to attend college. Yet, some people are not aware that such an initiative exists. One possibility would be to couple the Promise program with the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, a program very well known among community college students. Coupling these programs will benefit both and better inform students of their options for attending – and completing – career training or university preparation at community colleges.

Finally, many colleges throughout the state are raising money for the College Promise programs they have started. The Peralta Colleges commitment will be to continue to do so. Just as the Oakland Promise shows, a college promise should be more than a tuition promise. College puts many demands on students, from food and housing to books and clothing, which the Promises should aim to address.

In these uncertain times, California should not be left behind by having a largely underfunded Promise program. I appeal to the legislature, Governor of California, and all our communities to gather together the will and the means to generously support our most precious resource and investment in our future generations: education.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Related Topics:Chancellor Dr. Jowel C. Laguerre Opinion Peralta Colleges Peralta Community College Distict

Up Next

Opinion: Youth Voices on Oakland’s Flavored Tobacco Ban

Don't Miss

Opinion: Can California Protect Frontline Communities from Climate Change?

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

March 22, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 11 -17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 11 – 17, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  