Progress Report on Funding Gender Gap Research in California Postsecondary Education. Working Paper WP/07-04

Commission reports show that females outnumber males in college enrollment and graduation, both nationally and in California--a gap that continues to widen, especially for males in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Recent Commission research described this disparity and how it varies by race/ethnicity, academic discipline, and postsecondary segment. However, the Commission does not have sufficient resources to support additional research that would assess the causes and effects of the gap, along with proposed policy recommendations to close the gap. Therefore, the Commission is seeking funding from outside foundations or other sources to research the influence of K-12 education on gender gaps in the pipeline to college, with an emphasis on underrepresented minority males who are most affected by the education achievement gap. In March, staff reported to the Commission that letters of inquiry were sent to major national and California foundations whose mission and goals indicated they might be interested in research related to college equity and access issues. The Lumina Foundation, a large foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that has a high priority of educational equity, has requested that the Commission submit a formal Letter of Inquiry in order to receive further consideration for funding. The staff has prepared and submitted the "Letter of Inquiry" to Lumina; a copy is attached. Staff will report to the Commission at the June meeting on any outcome of that submission, and on any additional responses it has received since this memorandum was prepared.