In 2021 California made the largest public investment in history in OER and Zero Textbook Cost degrees with a $115M grant program. Beginning in 2022, all California Community Colleges received funds to develop and implement ZTC pathways. As of 2024, colleges are developing hundreds of ZTC pathways to transform the student experience in the country’s largest system of higher education. In this session, hear from two leaders who are coordinating and supporting colleges in this historic work. What supports are provided to colleges? How do 100+ colleges prevent duplication of effort? How are DEI and open pedagogy woven into support for colleges? We will also consider how California got here, what it will mean when all colleges offer ZTC pathways, and how the ZTC movement in California can positively impact other states.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Describe the origins of ZTC pathways in California.
- Explain how collaboration and coordination among the state’s colleges maximize the state’s investment in ZTC.
- Summarize supports that are available to colleges to develop ZTC pathways.
- Describe how DEI and Open Pedagogy are woven into ZTC pathways.
- Assess possible futures of ZTC programs.
