LEAD California — a coalition of leading colleges and universities in the state, formerly known as California Campus Compact — will be hosted by Fresno State for three years, through 2026. During its residency at Fresno State, LEAD California will work hand-in-hand with Fresno State’s Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning.  

Since its founding in 1988, LEAD California has worked to build the collective commitment and capacity of colleges, universities and communities throughout California to advance civic and community engagement for a healthy, just and democratic society. 

Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has been on LEAD California’s executive board since his appointment to a three-year term this past year.

“We are honored to welcome LEAD California to our campus,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This partnership exemplifies our long-standing tradition of community engagement and furthers our shared dedication to fostering civic responsibility. We are proud to be part of this impactful endeavor.”

LEAD California is a coalition that works to build the collective commitment and capacity of colleges, universities and communities throughout California to advance civic and community engagement for a healthy, just and democratic society. 

Each year, the organization’s innovative programs and initiatives, grant funding, training and technical assistance, professional development and research studies and publications support more than 500,000 students, faculty members, administrators and community members. All of them are involved in diverse and groundbreaking activities that support and expand civic and community engagement throughout California.

“Over the past 30 years, we have been hosted by higher education institutions in southern and northern California,” said Dr. Elaine K. Ikeda, executive director of LEAD California. “We are honored and grateful to be hosted by Fresno State, in the heart of our state. We look forward to working closely with President Jiménez-Sandoval and the faculty, staff and students at Fresno State, one of the leading colleges in California in community and civic engagement.”

For more information, please visit www.leadcalifornia.org.