Redefining Access: How Calbright College is Disrupting Higher Education
Aug 27, 2025
When most people think of community colleges, they picture affordable tuition, local campuses, and traditional degree pathways. But Calbright College in California is breaking that mold.
In our latest Engaged by Design podcast, we sat down with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright, to talk about how this startup community college is creating new opportunities for learners who have traditionally been left out of higher education.
Calbright is unique in several ways:
- Free and fully online: Every California resident can enroll tuition-free.
- Competency-based education (CBE): Students progress by demonstrating mastery, not by logging credit hours.
- Short-term career certificates: Programs are designed for reskilling, upskilling, and connecting directly to labor market demand.
- Industry partnerships: Collaborations with employers like HubSpot and platforms like Riipen ensure students work on real-world projects that build portfolios and open doors.
Dr. McCarty shared powerful stories of how students are gaining not only skills but also direct job offers through micro-internships and employer partnerships. She also emphasized the importance of human-centered design, equity, and removing barriers that often keep adult learners, particularly those 25 and older, many without prior college experience, from advancing their careers.
What struck us most in this conversation is the scale of opportunity. California has over 7 million adults who fit Calbright’s target audience. With enrollment already growing from 1,300 to 8,000 students, it’s clear that demand is real.
For leaders in higher education, the takeaway is clear: innovation is not just about adding technology. It’s about aligning access, equity, and outcomes.
Reflection Question for You:
How could your institution reimagine access and equity to better serve adult learners in today’s workforce-driven world?
Listen to the full episode with Dr. Shannon McCarty for more insights on how Calbright is building a new model for higher education.
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