JERRY BROWN:
When I was Governor in the 1970s, the California Master Plan was working to provide college access and guide success. Today, with fees and tuition climbing, classes are being eliminated, top faculty are departing, and students are struggling to cover basic costs, taking longer to finish their degrees, and many are dropping out altogether. We need to reverse this trend and reclaim California’s place as a nationwide leader in public higher education.

My priorities for higher education include 1) revamping the Master Plan, 2) shifting state support from prisons back to education, 3) supporting community colleges in their role providing occupational training and a path to four year universities, 4) exploring the largely untapped potential of online learning and other new learning technologies, and 5) simplifying graduation and transfer requirements between community colleges and universities to eliminate redundant coursework.
 

MEG WHITMAN:
California’s higher education system must have the resources to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the world economy, maintain our quality of life, and ensure that our state is the global hub for innovation. I have a plan to invest $1 billion, culled from welfare savings and other budget reforms, to achieve two goals: stop the tuition increases and protect our ability to do innovative research.

My plan calls for setting up academic enterprise zones around our learning institutions to foster collaboration that will bring the best and the brightest together. Our community colleges are a vital part of the system. I will push for more standardized and efficient transfer plans to our UC and CSU systems and continue to expand our community college partnerships with employers around the state to help build the skilled workforce needed for a thriving economy.

BROWN: California’s Community College system—with its 72 districts and 112 colleges—plays a critical role in providing education in our state, which is why I have made community colleges a central part of my education plan. For nearly 3 million students each year, California’s Community Colleges offer a gateway to higher education and four-year universities, and provide valuable training for jobs that are critical to California’s economy.
 

WHITMAN: We cannot grow our economy without a ready supply of well-trained Californians. Businesses will not choose to come or expand here unless they can count on a talented, skilled workforce. A good education will allow all of our residents to pursue the California dream. That’s why we must fix California’s public schools and ensure every Californian has access to a world-class education. If our state is to continue to be the capital of innovation, our public schools—including our community colleges, with their tremendous reach, unmatched job training programs, and academic preparation—must lead the way.
 

BROWN: If you’re concerned about what is going on in your community and the future of our state, get involved. Our democratic society relies on an engaged and informed citizenry. Your voice and vote count.

WHITMAN: From my 30 years in business, I’ve learned that no matter what task is assigned, my job is to do my best and deliver results. My advice to students today: Treat every task as a learning opportunity as well as an opportunity to shine. And don’t shy away from challenges: The price of inaction is far greater than making a mistake. Above all, follow your passions when choosing a profession.
 

BROWN: Studying public policy will give you the foundation needed to help shape our future. We’re facing a mountain of challenges in our state, and we need dedicated Californians who are willing to be part of the solution. I have spent a lifetime in public policy, fighting for California, and can tell you that the opportunity to serve California and help communities thrive is a responsibility I don’t take lightly and a reward that I value every day. 

WHITMAN: Public service is a noble profession, but it takes courage and sacrifice. Things worth doing are hard. My mother taught me from a very young age to have a “bias for action.” Our public institutions are in need of innovation, fresh thinking, and new ways of thinking. I encourage students to get engaged and offer their talents to help California move in the right direction.