The Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment
The San Diego State University (SDSU) Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment (CEPA) is dedicated to the creation of new systems that celebrate and center diverse voices and dismantle practices and policies that contribute to the marginalization and/or oppression of any group or individual. Utilizing research and scholarship as a guide, the center focuses specifically on college and career advising systems that increase equitable and accessible pathways to postsecondary success for all students. CEPA builds on the 2014 SDSU White House Convening which supported the former First Lady, Michelle Obama’s, Reach Higher campaign and brought together committed leaders from across the country focused on strengthening college and career counseling, readiness, enrollment, persistence and completion. We support students, their family, the community and the professionals who work with them, as they navigate their postsecondary journey and work towards the completion of a credential, certificate or degree capable of sustaining a livable wage.
Mission Statement:
The San Diego State University (SDSU) Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment (CEPA) is dedicated to dismantling systems that contribute to the marginalization and oppression of any group. Utilizing research and scholarship, the center focuses on postsecondary advising practices and policies that increase equitable and accessible pathways to postsecondary success for all students.
Areas of Focus
CEPA is dedicated to equipping practitioners with the tools necessary to implement current and evidence-based postsecondary strategies.
Through a scholar-practitioner approach, CEPA seeks to learn about and recognize outdated postsecondary practices and systems, and search for solutions that promote equitable access for students. CEPA focuses on transferring inquiry to knowledge that can be transferred to practitioners, educational leaders, and students for the reconstructing or renewal of practices that further advance postsecondary attainment.
CEPA seeks to collaborate with educational leaders, national organizations, and other stakeholders to outline and address needed policy changes needed to increase access to the best postsecondary opportunities, especially for historically marginalized students.
Announcements
New Report
From the Education Strategy Group:
"We know that it takes more than academic achievement to find long-term career success. Social capital—the benefits and opportunities that stem from networks and connections—matters tremendously for success in higher education and careers. We are pleased to share that the SDSU Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment is joining a new effort, supported by The Siemens Foundation and led by Education Strategy Group, to build social capital equity into STEM pathways. Through this work, we will be building new strategies to ensure that social capital development is a core part of the student experience, so that every student can access, grow, and leverage robust networks."
Learn more: https://edstrategy.org/esg-featured-work/building-social-capital-equity-in-stem-pathways
San Diego Team Members:
Laura Owen, Mercedes Albarran, Patricia Hodge, and Rocio Zamora - SDSU Center for
Equity and Postsecondary Attainment
Sarah Burns - San Diego Workforce Partnership
CEPA Professional Development Courses Available!
