Improving access to higher education is central to Koret’s core priority of enhancing the quality of life in the Bay Area. Earning a college degree provides a critical pathway for the next generation to productive employment, financial stability, and social mobility.

In 2020, Koret announced a new five-year $50 million Higher Education Initiative. Grants have been made to twelve Bay Area colleges and universities, both to fund programs at the individual institutions and also to create opportunities for collaboration between schools. To better understand the environment and needs at each campus, we consulted separately with the heads of the various institutions, to hear about their priorities and challenges. Common concerns emerged: increasing student success for historically under-represented populations; recruiting and retaining promising researchers; advancing innovation; and improving the campus community. Currently, the widespread shift to remote learning, as a result of the pandemic, means leaders at many schools are re-thinking campus life, from classrooms to housing, from communal dining to library and laboratory services. Discretionary funding from Koret allows leadership to accelerate development of new learning modes and new ways to create a sense of community.

Given that the pandemic and economic uncertainties have deepened and accelerated challenges schools were already facing, Koret sees this as a critical time to provide long-term support to Bay Area institutions. To spark new thinking, the initiative seeks to promote partnerships and collaborations, as well as to contribute to student success. The drop-down sections below offer glimpses into some of the programs these grants are supporting.

The Higher Education grants support schools in developing programs for the long term. Koret is investing in the next generation of talent, innovation, and leadership. As part of this, it is vital to ensure that all who aspire to earn a college degree, including first-generation students and the historically under-represented, have an opportunity to enter college well prepared to thrive there and to leave well positioned to lead fulfilling lives. They should have as little debt as possible, and have the confidence, skills, and opportunity to contribute to society.

Rounding out Koret’s Higher Education Initiative, grants have also been awarded to support endeavors and innovations in other academic areas that align with Koret’s over-arching goals and have large potential impact at individual campuses. See the full list here.