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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.
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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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.
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Jasmine Cole
Chief Executive Officer
Oakland native, former school leader, and advocate for first-generation college students.
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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.