Advocacy means people showing up, organizing, and pushing systems and leaders to be better. And it works.
The 2026 Equity 8 highlights eight bills and proposals that can advance equity across California’s education pipeline right now, from early learning and K-12 to college and the systems that should and can connect them. These eight priorities focus on expanding opportunity, removing barriers, strengthening accountability, and ensuring students and families are supported at every stage. These ideas represent decades of collaboration while marking exactly where our advocacy has succeeded and where we must act next.
The Equity 8 for 2026
Last Updated: April 7, 2026
1) Expanding Dual Enrollment
What’s the problem
Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit before they graduate, saving time and money and improving college outcomes. Yet access is deeply unequal. Black and Latinx students are more likely to attend schools that offer few or no dual enrollment opportunities, even though research shows these programs are especially powerful for students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
What this proposal would do
Governor Newsom’s proposed $100 million investment would expand College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) programs. CCAP is the dual enrollment model explicitly designed to prioritize students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. Research confirms that CCAP partnerships are the most effective approach for closing opportunity gaps.
Why it matters for equity
Expanding CCAP would help ensure dual enrollment is not limited by zip code and would bring college pathways directly to the students who benefit most.
To take action: Sign onto our coalition budget letter
2) Expanding and Sustaining Community Schools
What’s the problem
Students cannot thrive academically when their basic needs go unmet. Community schools address this reality by combining strong instruction with health services, mental health support, and deep family engagement.
California’s one-time investments have shown strong results, but without ongoing funding, progress is at risk.
What this proposal would do
Since 2021, California has invested $4.1 billion in community schools, leading to improved attendance, academic outcomes, and school climate. Governor Newsom’s proposal for $1 billion in ongoing funding would sustain existing community schools and allow more schools to adopt this proven model.
Why it matters for equity
Community schools deliver the strongest gains for Black students, English learners, and students from low-income families. Sustained investment moves California closer to a vision where every school can function as a community hub.
To take action: Sign onto this coalition letter, led by the California Partnership for the Future of Learning
3) Continuing to Ease the Financial Burden of Teacher Prep Programs
What’s the problem
The cost of becoming a teacher remains a major barrier for many aspiring educators, particularly candidates from low-income backgrounds. This challenge undermines efforts to diversify the educator workforce and address California’s ongoing teacher shortage.
What this proposal would do
The Golden State Teacher Grant provides up to $10,000 to students completing teacher preparation programs who commit to working in high-need public schools. More than 28,000 future teachers have benefited from this program. Without legislative action, it will sunset in 2026. Advocates are calling for a $100 million investment to renew the program.
Why it matters for equity
Sustaining the Golden State Teacher Grant is essential to recruiting and retaining a diverse, well prepared educator workforce in California’s highest need classrooms.
To take action: Sign onto this coalition letter, led by EdVoice
4) Clear State-Level Education Leadership
What’s the problem
California educates more students than any other state, yet its education governance structure is fragmented across multiple offices with overlapping authority. This lack of clear leadership slows implementation and weakens accountability for student outcomes.
What this proposal would do
Governor Newsom has proposed a budget reform to create a governor-appointed Education Commissioner with administrative oversight of the California Department of Education. This would improve coordination across agencies and clarify responsibility for statewide results.
Why it matters for equity
Strong leadership and clear accountability are essential for turning proven policies into real improvements for students, families, and educators across California.
To take action: Sign onto this coalition letter, led by Children Now
5) Closing Gaps in the State’s Data Infrastructure
What’s the problem
California has made progress on education data, but gaps remain, especially in early childhood and workforce information. These gaps limit the state’s ability to evaluate programs, coordinate supports, and protect access to essential benefits for students and families.
What this proposal would do
Two bills address these challenges. AB 2092 by Assemblymember Bonta would strengthen how early childhood data is connected across systems. SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon would improve the use of employment data to help eligible Californians maintain access to food and healthcare.
Why it matters for equity
Better data would help California make smarter decisions, reduce unnecessary harm, and design policies that better reflect real student pathways.
To take action on AB 2092 (Bonta): Sign onto our coalition letter or submit your own organizational letter
6) Removing Public Education from California’s Ban on Affirmative Action
What’s the problem
Since 1996, Proposition 209 has limited California’s ability to directly address racial inequities in public education. Even as disparities persist, educators and policymakers have been constrained to race-neutral approaches that have repeatedly fallen short.
What this proposal would do
ACA 7 by Assemblymember Jackson would remove public education, with the exception of college admissions, from Proposition 209. If approved by voters, it would give state and local leaders the flexibility they need to use targeted, evidence-based strategies to close opportunity gaps.
Why it matters for equity
This change would allow California to address inequities more honestly and effectively while remaining grounded in data, research, and constitutional protections.
For more information: Read this Frequently Asked Questions document
To take action: Sign onto our coalition letter in support, submit your own organizational letter, or Email Your State Legislator now
7) Helping Students Living in Poverty Afford Basic Needs
What’s the problem
For many students, the greatest barriers to higher education are not tuition but food, housing, and transportation. The Cal Grant B Access Award has not kept pace with rising living costs, leaving students struggling to meet basic needs while enrolled.
What this proposal would do
SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would update the Cal Grant B Access Award so it increases over time and better reflects real student expenses. The bill would also expand additional support for student parents.
Why it matters for equity
Aligning financial aid with reality would help students remain enrolled, reduce hardship, and make college a viable path rather than a constant financial crisis.
To take action: Submit a support letter through the California Legislature’s Portal
8) Reforming California’s English Learner Reclassification
What’s the problem
California’s English learner reclassification process has barely changed in decades. Many students remain identified as English learners longer than necessary, restricting access to advanced coursework and long-term academic opportunities.
What this proposal would do
AB 2555 by Assemblymember Patel would modernize the reclassification process by prioritizing the state English proficiency assessment, automating decisions when appropriate, strengthening data tracking, and improving communication with families.
Why it matters for equity
Timely reclassification helps students access the full curriculum and ensures families are partners as students work toward bilingualism and academic success.
To take action: Submit a support letter through the California Legislature’s Portal