UC Santa Cruz and Hartnell College received a two-year, $250,000 American Talent Initiative (ATI) IDEAS Grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to strengthen their partnership and expand opportunities for students. The grant will support the Pathways to Success program, designed to streamline the transfer process and provide more holistic guidance for students to accelerate social mobility and advance economic development in the region.

The IDEAS (Innovation Driven by Evidence-Based Advanced Strategies) Fund grant program saw submissions from 47 ATI member institutions, with only 16 selected for funding. UC Santa Cruz and Hartnell College’s proposal was the only one awarded from California, recognized specifically for its emphasis on increasing social mobility through a K-16 comprehensive approach to student success.

“We’re thrilled and grateful to be the recipient of a two-year IDEAS Grant that will brighten the futures of aspiring scholars throughout our region,” said UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive. “Created in partnership with Hartnell College, our Pathways to Success program focuses on expanding opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, streamlining their ability to transfer to our campus, earn a bachelor’s degree, and ultimately launch careers in high-demand fields.

As Hispanic-Serving Institutions, UC Santa Cruz and Hartnell College are committed to affordability and access, building a strong partnership grounded in shared values.

The Pathways to Success program builds on existing UC Santa Cruz transfer initiatives focusing on affordability and comprehensive student care. The program highlights the affordability of a UC Santa Cruz degree by highlighting funding opportunities such as donor-funded transfer scholarships and grants from the campus, the State of California, and the federal government. For student care, it promotes family housing and a new childcare center currently under construction, and the counseling and mentorship provided by UC Santa Cruz’s Services for Transfer, Re-entry, and Resilient Scholars (STARRS) program—the first of its kind in California.

“Meeting students where they are and addressing their needs is central to our mission. We want students to see that there is a clear path for them to complete a 4-year degree at a high-impact research university,” said Richard Hughey, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education and global engagement at UC Santa Cruz. “These are talented, high-performing students. We want them to know they belong here and ultimately that their presence will make our community stronger.”

Dream Inn Santa Cruz earns Green Key Global certification

Dream Inn Santa Cruz, owned by Ensemble Investments LLC, was recently awarded Green Key Global certification, highlighting a dedication to advancing sustainability

“We are thrilled to have achieved Green Key Global certification at Dream Inn,” said Darren Pound, vice president and general manager of Dream Inn Santa Cruz. “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship and perfectly complements our continued efforts in coastal cleanup and protecting our natural surroundings.”

Each of Ensemble’s properties has established a dedicated sustainability committee to guide them through the rigorous Green Key Global assessment process. Green Key Global certified hotels are evaluated across various sustainability metrics, including energy and water conservation, solid and hazardous waste management, indoor air quality, community outreach, and environmental management.

Bay Federal Credit Union hires new VP

Bay Federal Credit Union recently announced the addition of Rita Toston to the Credit Union’s Senior Leadership Team as vice president of risk management. Toston will direct the organization’s Enterprise Risk Management program and monitor Bay Federal’s risk profile.

Toston’s 20 years of banking experience includes consulting through her own LLC for various small community banks and fintech firms. Her work history includes compliance, audit, and operations roles with Citibank, including Senior Vice President of Compliance Testing, where she supported all U.S. personal banking.

“I am thrilled to join an organization that demonstrates an equal commitment to the well-being of both its employees and its members,” stated Mrs. Toston. “This dual focus on fostering a supportive and engaging work environment, alongside delivering exceptional service and value to members, truly resonates with my professional values.”

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