Cal State Fullerton President Mildred García met with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and staff Tuesday, April 4, to discuss education policy and the University’s particular success in improving graduation rates, narrowing the achievement gap, and preparing students for the workforce and graduate school. Greg Saks, vice president for university advancement, also joined the meeting.
DeVos and García talked about the value of Pell Grants and the important role that year-round Pell can play in enhancing progress to earning a degree. With over 40 percent of CSUF students eligible to receive the award, this is a critical issue for the campus, as well as the entire CSU.
García also advocated for programs such as TRIO programs and GEAR UP. These programs support currently enrolled students and allow CSUF to work with local school districts, community colleges and other partners to infuse a college-going culture among low-income junior high and high school students, as well as better support them upon entry into the University.
“I appreciated the time that Secretary DeVos spent discussing the issues facing higher education and the students we serve,” said García. “This was also an opportunity to share the innovative practices that we’ve pursued at Cal State Fullerton, with an enrollment of over 40,000 students — many of whom are first-generation students — to effectively advance student success.”