Fast Forward
California
Good policy and state investments are essential—but not enough. The future we envision also requires the evidence-based practice of pathways and dual enrollment known to drive excellence and equity. The Linked Learning Alliance, Career Ladders Project, and The Education Trust—West have come together to put our experience and capability in these areas to work across the state.
All too often reforms in one system are disconnected from those in others—and young people, especially those in minoritized groups, pay the price. With Fast Forward California we’re addressing the persistent gaps between our K–12, higher education, and workforce systems to accelerate students on the path to both college and career success.
Specifically, the initiative will drive consistent, sustained action through:
Partnership
Connecting people across sectors to build awareness, readiness, and engagement around this opportunity
Communications
Creating consistent, compelling, messages to build understanding and buy-in within communities
Technical assistance
Preparing school, district, and postsecondary leaders with the tools and skills to ensure high-quality implementation and leverage funds to the benefit of students
Advocacy
Advancing alignment and reforms that create a more coherent learning experience and serve students meaningfully and equitably
Research
Providing a framework for practitioners to measure and track the effectiveness of their work
This work is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Stuart Foundation.