Michelson 20MM Foundation

In this month's newsletter: 💻 Francesca Romero shares her experience as a #studentfellow. Applications for the 2025 cohort are open until May! 🍎 International students are disproportionately impacted by #foodinsecurity. Learn how Swipe Out Hunger is helping. 2️⃣ Celebrate #SecondChanceMonth by hearing Edin Madrid from Homeboy Industries reflections on the power of information. 

Incarcerated firefighters play a vital role in fighting California's wildfires, but upon release, they face barriers transitioning into civilian firefighting. During #SecondChanceMonth, we advocate for a fair reentry process for these unsung heroes. California's fire camps train incarcerated individuals, but legal and social obstacles often prevent them from obtaining civilian firefighting jobs. From lack of certifications to the stigma of criminal records, the challenges are significant. Let’s ensure they have the opportunity to continue serving their communities and build a safer, stronger California. 🔥 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gicVfVgy

Thank you, Generation Hope, for convening us this week at #GenHope2025 to elevate parenting students’ voices, build community with partners around the country, and create space for intentional conversations around public policy and programming opportunities in support of student parents. We look forward to seeing everyone in Dallas, TX for #GenHope2026!

🎳 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Bowling Social at #ASUGSVSummit in partnership with Bisk Ventures and California Competes! From strikes to standout conversations, the evening was full of energy, laughter, and connections with inspiring leaders and changemakers. We’re grateful to be building a community that’s committed to equity and innovation. Let’s keep the momentum rolling—until next time!

Do you know a college student who is passionate about having an impact? We want to hear from them! Michelson 20MM #StudentFellows build student capacity and power among emerging student leaders within higher education in California. This year, we're seeking four fellows: digital equity, criminal justice reform, student basic needs, and textbook affordability. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gs3is5N9 #paidfellowship

Michelson 20MM is a proud supporter and sponsor of #GenHope2025! We’re honored to stand alongside student parents, field experts, advocates, and policymakers who are shaping more inclusive and supportive futures for parenting students and their families.

1 in 3 college students face food insecurity, and international students are hit especially hard. With over 1 million international students in the U.S., Swipe Out Hunger is addressing this need with a Michelson #SparkGrant to develop a toolkit and virtual training for campuses. This initiative will empower 860+ campuses to support international students facing food insecurity by providing resources and best practices. Swipe Out Hunger’s toolkit will guide institutions in meeting these students' unique needs—particularly since many cannot access U.S. public benefits. Learn how Swipe Out Hunger is paving the way for higher education institutions to create stronger, more inclusive systems to support all students in need: https://lnkd.in/eQdVHqjB

If you'll be attending #GenHOPE2025 this week, be sure to say hello to our Student Basic Needs Senior Program Manager Dr. Queena Hoang, Ed.D., who will moderate a panel on how collaboration is transforming philanthropy. Hope to see you there!

This past weekend, our Senior Student Engagement Coordinator Marissa Martinez proudly represented Michelson 20MM at the 29th annual Student Senate for California Community Colleges General Assembly! The event included insightful conversations as students came together to strategize for the upcoming year. We even reconnected with Abbigail (Abba) S., one of our student fellow alumni! Thank you to Julie Adams, Ph.D, MBA, CAE for organizing an amazing weekend, and to the students who participated in our workshop on #StudentPower! 📚⚡

Indigenous Justice is making strides toward decarceration with the support of the #SmartJustice #SparkGrant! The Returning Relatives program, which blends traditional Indigenous practices with modern reintegration services, helps break the cycle of incarceration while addressing generational trauma. A transformative model for community healing and justice reform, this initiative empowers Native communities and sets a new standard for decarceration. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gSZHiN45