Research

Holistic Student Support Technology

Practical Insights and Recommendations for CA Leaders and Organizations Supporting Institution HSS Initiatives

This report, based on over 7 years of work with California’s colleges, aims to provide California Community College governing and supporting entities with the following:

An overview of the current landscape of HSS technology, both nationally and in California;
Specific insights into California colleges' technology tools, needs, and challenges, including case studies with illustrative technology "maps" from HSS Implementation Network colleges;
Ideas for potential next steps and relevant resources, drawing from The Ada Center's broader national research.

This report was developed by The Ada Center with input from Phase Two Advisory and generous support from College Futures Foundation (CFF).

Student Support Leadership

The Extraordinary Power of Everyday Leadership

Beginning in 2020, California’s community colleges faced an unprecedented period marked by a deadly global pandemic, a racial justice reckoning, and wildfires sweeping across the state.

But underneath these headlines were quieter, parallel stories. Stories about faculty, counselors, program leads, deans and classified staff all leaning in when students needed them most.

These challenging times underscored the need for holistic student support efforts and showcased how student support leaders have risen to meet that need. This publication celebrates 46 of these leaders who were recognized by their colleagues across 25 institutions. It explores their candid stories and their valuable insights for:

College leadership interested in understanding how to collaborate with and empower student support leaders;
Existing student support leaders interested in learning how others have navigated challenges and driven impact; and
Emerging student support leaders who may use this as a pocket guide of advice from mentors across departments, institutions, and roles.

We hope you find inspiration and wisdom from their voices and stories.

Download Publication

About This Project

As part of the California Guided Pathways Project (CAGP), The Ada Center, in partnership with Phase Two Advisory and with generous funding from the College Futures Foundation, is recognizing and learning from college leaders that have advanced exemplary and equity-focused holistic student support reforms. These counseling and advising directors, faculty task force leaders, Promise Program directors, career and workforce deans, equity leads, and others are often the unsung heroes of incredible gains in completion, learning, and equity outcomes. This effort aims to elevate and better understand their work so that Guided Pathways cohorts may learn from their perspectives and experiences.

Congratulations and Thank You to All Our Honorees

Student Support Leaders Honored Through This Process Were:

Adaptive, equity-focused, and student-centered
Sub-executive level leaders, including faculty, department/unit leads, categorical program leaders, classified professionals, etc.
Directly impactful for holistic student support efforts