SPOTLIGHT
Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF)
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of CESF and YVYV Student Fellows!
WHO WE ARE
Celebrating Over 35 Years
For over 35 years, LEAD California has been inspiring and supporting college students, administrators, faculty, staff, and community members with our innovative resources, expertise, training, and connections. We lead our campuses in building a healthier, more just, and democratic society. We are committed to ensuring that all California institutions of higher education fulfill their public purpose and prepare students to be ethical leaders and compassionate citizens who make this world better for all.
Watch this video, featuring our Board Chair President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, to learn what LEAD California is about and how we are influencing higher education and tomorrow’s leaders!
WHO WE ARE
About LEAD California
Since its founding in 1988, LEAD California (formerly known as California Campus Compact) has worked to build the collective commitment and capacity of colleges, universities and communities throughout California to advance civic and community engagement for a healthy, just and democratic society.
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What We Do
Annually, we invest in and champion hundreds of thousands of students, faculty members, administrators and community members involved in diverse and ground- breaking activities that support and expand civic and community engagement throughout California.
SINCE 1988
Our History
History of LEAD California
- Experienced, leadership
- Experienced, programming
History
- Experienced, leadership
- Experienced, programming
Host Institution
- Experienced, leadership
- Experienced, programming
Leadership
- Experienced, leadership
- Experienced, programming
Membership
- Experienced, leadership
- Experienced, programming
Programming
- Experienced, leadership
- Experienced, programming
WHAT WE DO
Signature Initiatives
Campus Site Visits
If you are interested in coordinating a campus site visit, please contact Piper McGinley (piper@leadcalifornia.org).
- HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
- INVEST AND CHAMPION
- EXPERIENCE
FEEDBACK
Community Feedback
“As a new and growing research university, we at UC Merced know how complex and ever-changing the public higher education landscape in California can be. To thrive in such an environment requires us to be nimble, innovative and collaborative, and California Campus Compact helps to bring us all together as educators to fulfill both our individual and shared missions.”
Dorothy Leland, Former Chancellor
University of California, Merced
FEEDBACK
“California Campus Compact is at the forefront of the national dialogue on experiential learning, civic engagement and service learning. By collaborating with California Campus Compact, the University of San Diego is better equipped to prepare students to be ethical leaders and compassionate citizens who build partnerships for positive change and reinvigorate higher education for the public good.”
Community Feedback
James T. Harris, President
University of San Diego
FEEDBACK
Community Feedback
“There is no more important organization in California than California Campus Compact when it comes to inspiring, encouraging and supporting higher education’s public service role in California. California Campus Compact has played a key role in helping the University of San Francisco expand and highlight our service-learning and civic engagement work.”
Stephen A. Privett, S.J., Former President
University of San Francisco
GET INVOLVED
Contact Us
We invite you to reach out and help LEAD California bring change to higher education in California.