Our story, our purpose, our community.

CalDreams, Inc. is a nonprofit organization advancing academic support, transfer counseling, and career readiness for underserved students in Oakland.

Mission & Vision

We expand equitable access to higher education and meaningful careers.

CalDreams was founded by educators, counselors, and community advocates who saw too many promising students lose momentum between high school, community college, and employment. We align academic coaching, guided transfer pathways, and career-connected learning so every student gains the tools to thrive.

Our vision is an Oakland where first-generation and low-income students graduate with degrees, earn family-sustaining wages, and lead in their communities. Together with public agencies and employers, we deliver culturally responsive supports rooted in community expertise.

2016
Founded to advance college access
45
School & college partners supported
12K+
Students receiving academic services
86%
Participants first in their family to attend college
Core Values

Guiding principles for student-centered impact

CalDreams is rooted in collaborative leadership and community wisdom. These values guide how we design programs, steward resources, and measure success.

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Educational justice

We elevate the lived experience of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and immigrant families to co-create solutions that close opportunity gaps.

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Collective leadership

Our board, staff, and youth leaders share power in decision-making to ensure programs reflect community priorities and needs.

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Accountability with care

We track what matters, celebrate progress, and iterate quickly to ensure students receive responsive, high-impact support.

Leadership

Meet the team advancing academic and career equity

Our staff and board represent the communities we serve and bring expertise across counseling, education, workforce development, and nonprofit stewardship.

👩🏾‍💼

Jasmine Cole

Chief Executive Officer

Oakland native, former school leader, and advocate for first-generation college students.

🧠

Miguel Ramirez

Chief Program Officer

Oversees academic coaching, transfer counseling, and data teams that serve CalDreams scholars.

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Sophia Huang

Chief Advancement Officer

Leads fundraising, partnerships, and strategic communications for CalDreams.

Partner with us to expand academic opportunity.

Transformation happens when schools, community leaders, and donors unite. Let’s expand access to higher education and living-wage careers together.

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