Through the Gate

This research initiative focuses on identifying ways to increase transfer for a “high-leverage” group of community college students: those who are close to transfer but have not yet made it to university. This study reimagines how we understand and address the transfer challenge in California. Rather than focusing solely on end outcomes, the project centers on immediate, actionable opportunities to improve student transitions to university, strengthen baccalaureate production, and advance social and economic mobility—particularly for students from historically underrepresented communities. At the core of this work is the recognition that transfer is not a single moment, but a journey undertaken by a diverse and varied group of students. When examined through a more nuanced lens, a transfer continuum emerges, reflecting students at different points along their transfer path: Transfer Explorers, Momentum Students, Students Near the Gate, Students At the Gate, and Transfer Achievers who successfully make it through the gate.

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Project Team Information

Lead:  Darla Cooper, EdD (Co-Project Director) Alyssa Nguyen, MA (Co-Project Director)

Team Member(s): Priyadarshini Chaplot, MBA Kristen, Fong, PhD Kelley Karandjeff, EdM Andrew Kretz, PhD Kay Nguyen, EdD Tim Nguyen, MS Rogéair D. Purnell, PhD Diane Rodriguez-Kiino, PhD Eva Schiorring, MPP Tymika Wesley, EdD

Advisors (Name, Position, Organization at the time of advisement): 
Dr. Greg Aycock Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Norco College
Dr. Rachel Baker Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of California, Irvine
Dr. Loren Blanchard Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, California State University Chancellor's Office
Dr. Sonya Christian President, Bakersfield College
Dr. Erik Cooper Dean of Planning, Research and Resource Development, Sierra College/ The RP Group Board President
Debra David Give Students a Compass Program Director (Emeritus), California State University Chancellor's Office
Beth Freedman Health Education Department Chair, Metro Academy of Health Coordinator, City College of San Francisco
Dr. Janet Fulks Biology Faculty, Bakersfield College Marie Harris Dean of Instruction, Reedley College
Dr. Kathy Hart Superintendent/President, San Joaquin Delta College
Mainou Her Transfer and Career Counselor, College of the Sequoias
Dr. John Hetts Visiting Executive, Research and Data, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
Dr. Ellen Junn President, California State University, Stanislaus Dr. Frank Lamas Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, California State University, Fresno
Debra Louie Counselor/Professor, San Joaquin Delta College
Dr. Shari McMahan Provost, California State University, San Bernardino
Kathy Molloy Guided Pathways Project Director, The RP Group
Mariana Moreno Transfer Center Coordinator, Crafton Hills College
David Nguyen Student, University of California Los Angeles; Founder and Director, CC2PhD
Bob Quinn Transfer and Articulation Specialist, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
Jessie Ryan Executive Vice President, Campaign for College Opportunity
Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna Vice President of Instruction, College of the Sequoias
Dr. John Stanskas Vice President, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Chemistry Faculty, San Bernardino Valley College
Dr. James Todd Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Instruction and Planning, San Joaquin Delta College
Dr. Andrea Venezia Executive Director, EdInsights Center Associate Professor, Public Policy and Administration, California State University, Sacramento Dr. Lisa Wilkins Vice President of Student Services, San Joaquin Delta College

Funders(s):
College Futures Foundation, ECMC Foundation, and Lumina Foundation