Colleges across the nation are welcoming students back to campuses for the start of the fall semester with excitement and a commitment to care.

We are also excited to continue our partnership with ECMC Foundation through a new grant that will expand Caring Campus to 17 rural institutions across the nation. In addition to supporting implementation, the grant will establish a Caring Campus Rural Network, giving participating colleges and universities opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another as they strengthen student support across their campuses. 

Is your college based in California? If so, I am pleased to share a funding opportunity to deepen your Caring Campus work at no cost to your institution. The California Community Colleges Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI) offers funding that can be used to support and expand Caring Campus implementation.

Funding available through IEPI’s Partnership Resource Team (PRT) and Mini-PRTs can be used to participate in a Caring Campus Refresh; engage in staff, faculty, and administrator coaching; attend our conference; participate in the Caring Campus Academy and Caring Campus Network; and pursue Certification.

IEPI is scheduled to review applications in September, and our team would be happy to help you develop an application and explore which Caring Campus offerings are the best fit for your campus. Please contact me or IEBC CEO Ken Sherwood at [email protected] to start the conversation.

South Orange County Community College District was able to fund its implementation of Caring Campus through the use of Institutional Effectiveness and Partnership Initiative funds.

As you plan for the months ahead, be sure to mark your calendars for November 11-13, when higher education professionals will be gathering in Nashville for three days of connection, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success at the Caring Campus Conference 2026: Developing a Legacy of Impact.

Early bird registration is available through Tuesday, September 15, and teams of 10 or more qualify for additional discounted rates. Presentation proposals are also being accepted through Friday, October 9. Join a growing list of presenters from colleges and universities across the country by sharing your Caring Campus successes, challenges, and innovative practices with colleagues from across the country. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to student success and Caring Campus. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help your campus continue to build and nurture a culture of care. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Bola King-Rushing

IEBC President

Contact IEBC at [email protected], see our website, or call us at

562-688-5721 for more information.

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