Apr 13, 2026 CSU Channel Islands Named Only California Institution in National Campus-to-Career Initiative

April 13, 2026 - CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has been selected as one of 16 colleges and universities nationwide-and the only institution in California-to participate in From Campus to Career, a national initiative supported by Lumina Foundation to expand career-connected learning and improve student workforce outcomes.

Through the initiative, CSUCI will receive $100,000 over two years, along with technical assistance and cohort-based support from national higher education partners to strengthen hands-on learning opportunities for students.

"At CSU Channel Islands, we are committed to ensuring every student graduates not only with a degree, but with meaningful experiences that connect learning to career opportunities," said Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti. "This initiative will expand access to high-quality, career-connected learning and strengthen outcomes for our students, while aligning with the CSU Forward strategic plan."

High-impact practices-such as internships, undergraduate research, service learning, capstone projects, and student employment-are linked to stronger engagement, deeper learning, and higher completion rates. This initiative builds on those experiences by more intentionally connecting them to career pathways and workforce needs, helping students graduate with clear, demonstrable skills aligned with employer expectations.

The CSUCI Campus to Career program helps students connect their on- and off-campus experiences to long-term career readiness. Through the program, students learn to apply theory to practice, understand their work in broader social and institutional contexts, and clearly articulate how their education prepares them for meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.

Lumina launched From Campus to Career to scale career-connected learning nationwide and strengthen the value of a bachelor's degree.

"Too many students complete meaningful academic experiences without clear pathways to translate those experiences into career opportunities," said Jasmine Haywood, strategy director for credentials of value at Lumina. "If a credential is going to hold value in the labor market, students must graduate with the ability to demonstrate the skills and competencies employers need."

The 16 selected institutions represent a diverse cross-section of higher education, including regional public universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and research universities. Together, they will serve as national models for integrating academic learning with career preparation.

"In an era of rising skepticism about the value of college, strengthening the connection between learning and work is essential," said Debra Humphreys, vice president of strategic engagement at Lumina. "When students can clearly see and show how their education prepares them for meaningful careers, the value of a credential becomes tangible."

The initiative is implemented in partnership with Excelencia in Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the Center for Innovation in Postsecondary Education (CIPE), which will support participating institutions through technical assistance and cross-campus learning.