The Institute

The Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy (IHELP) seeks to enhance leadership and policy for higher education in California and the nation, with an emphasis on community colleges in recognition of their importance to providing an educated and diverse citizenry and workforce. Our work is aimed at producing information and services relevant to policy makers, practitioners, and educators. We believe that policy matters, and our work is intended to contribute to the development of state policies that ensure access to and success in California’s public higher education institutions as a means of ensuring the continued social and economic health of the state.

The Institute is located at California State University, Sacramento. As part of the 23-campus California State University, the Institute has access to the expertise of the nation's largest university system. The Institute's location in the state capital provides ready access to policy makers and educators and a unique opportunity to participate in and influence public discourse on higher education policy and practice.

Established in 2001 with initial funding from the California State University Chancellor, the Institute now receives financial support from California State University, Sacramento and from foundations and non-profit organizations, including the James Irvine Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.