Left to right: Erica Rosales (College Match LA), Roy Quinto (UCLA Anderson School of Management), Lina Calderón-Morin (SoCal CAN), Lonneshia Burrell (KIPP Forward)
On December 3, we hosted an engaging Fireside Chat focused on the enduring value of a college degree.
The event brought together an inspiring group of education experts who shared their insights on closing equity gaps and supporting underrepresented students in their journey toward higher education.
The panel included Lina Calderón-Morin, Deputy Director at SoCal CAN; Erica Rosales, Executive Director at College Match LA; and Roy Quinto, Head of Pre-Admission Initiatives at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
The session started with Alana Herbert, who shared her journey as a former KIPP SoCal student and is now giving back to her community as a Post-Secondary Match Manager on the KIPP Forward team. Her experience underscored the importance of mentorship and the need for students to see role models who have walked in their shoes.
Lonneshia Burrell, Director of KIPP Forward, moderated the panel and guided the conversation around the critical role that college access plays in shaping the future of our students. The discussion took a deep dive into the current education landscape, with the panelists addressing that 72% of jobs are projected to require more than a high school diploma by 2031, according to a recent report. This statistic was a powerful call to action—underscoring the urgent need to rethink how we talk about higher education and prepare students for the future.
The speakers discussed the evolving nature of education, emphasizing the theme of agency—giving students the tools and confidence to make informed decisions about their futures. Every student should be able to choose college if that is the path they wish to take. The conversation highlighted the importance of allowing students to see college as a tangible opportunity, not just an abstract goal.
They emphasized the importance of providing underrepresented students with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to navigate the college application process. This includes offering mentorship and guidance and challenging students to dream big even when the path seems unclear.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Capital Group for generously hosting this event and helping bring this critical conversation to life. Stay tuned for future events as we continue to work together to bridge equity gaps and create pathways to success for all students.