What's Working

A person wearing a blue mechanic shirt uses a tool while working on a piece of auto machinery laid on a table.

Higher Education

The federal government is offering new job-training grants. California says it’s not ready yet

The federal government is set to expand financial aid for students in short-term job training programs starting July 1, but Californians may have to wait until the fall to benefit because of administrative and regulatory challenges.

By Adam Echelman • June 11, 2026

A person holds a smartphone in both hands while seated, showing a photo on the screen of several soldiers in military gear clustered together outdoors, with the person’s jeans and a set of keys visible in the background.

Higher Education

California wants colleges to count work experience for credit. How’s it going?

California’s community colleges are now giving college credit for students’ previous work experiences. The state has a goal of rapidly expanding access to these credits, though tracking progress on that goal has been difficult so far.

By Adam Echelman • February 5, 2026

A student, wearing a black and red cap and gown, smiles and looks towards the audience section of a graduation ceremony as they walk alongside other graduates.

Higher Education

As job market tightens, more Californians are heading back to college

Some community college districts in California say enrollment is up by more than 10%, though official numbers have yet to be released. Historically, college enrollment fluctuates depending on the strength of the economy.

By Adam Echelman • December 16, 2025

The light from a laptop illuminates the face of a person wearing a lavender sweater and sitting on a couch during an evening.

Economy

Half a million young Californians aren’t in school or work. Most are men

Thousands of men in California are neither working nor in school. Gov. Gavin Newsom has called it a “crisis,” both for the labor market and for men’s mental health.

By Adam Echelman • October 29, 2025

A person stands indoors pointing to a section of a large academic poster titled “Expectation to Guarantee: Bounding Welfare in Randomized Auctions.” The poster contains mathematical formulas, graphs, and text. The individual wears a dark shirt and is explaining or presenting the material. In the background, a framed black-and-white photograph hangs on the wall above a white woven basket.

Higher Education

California invested millions pushing these careers for women. The results are disappointing

Women continue to lag behind men in certain science, technology, engineering and math programs.

By Adam Echelman • August 15, 2025

People wearing black cap and gowns with red, green and white colored sashes stand in front of chairs during a graduation ceremony in font of attendees in an arena.

Higher Education

This group has one of California’s highest graduation rates. So why are they skipping college?

Inland Empire high school students have a higher graduation rate than their peers in California but are below average when it comes to enrolling in college.

By Deborah Brennan • July 30, 2025

Two elderly people, sitting in front of a desk, complete a worksheet assignment inside a classroom at a school campus. Other students can be seen in the background.

Higher Education

Why a new Trump policy could expel thousands of adult students from classes

The U.S. Department of Education says adult students without legal status are now banned from certain courses. Teens at public K-12 districts could see changes too.

By Adam Echelman • July 28, 2025

K-12 Education

‘Like having a hand cut off’: California schools reeling after AmeriCorps cuts

Trump cut AmeriCorps, laying off over 5,600 of California’s public service workers. Because of a lawsuit, the state’s program can restart, at least temporarily, but schools and disaster relief sites are still reeling from staffing shortages.

By Adam Echelman and Carolyn Jones • July 18, 2025

A person in a dark blue police uniform stands before an audience of people in light blue police uniforms. The photo is taken from the back of the room, over the shoulders of the audience, to show the person in front from their point of view.

Higher Education

How much education does a California police officer need? What a new bill proposes

California lawmakers could set new education requirements for police officers, but the bill has critics from all sides — including former Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who authored the state’s watershed 2021 police reform bill.

By Cayla Mihalovich and Adam Echelman • July 8, 2025

A student reads their writing out loud during Jen Roberts' English class at Point Loma High School in San Diego on May 3, 2024. Roberts uses AI platforms for classroom exercises and grading. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Higher Education

How do high schoolers in your area really fare after graduation? A new California tool lets you know

California’s new Cradle to Career dashboards track students' college paths and earnings after high school graduation — but leave out some key details.

By Adam Echelman • April 22, 2025

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