Higher education enhances Californians' lives and contributes to the state's economic growth. But population and education trends suggest that California is facing a large shortfall of college graduates. Addressing this short­fall will require strong gains for groups that have been historically under­represented in higher education. Substantial improvement in educational outcomes will create a more productive economy, higher incomes and tax revenues, and less pressure on the social safety net. This briefing kit highlights the most pressing issues in seven key areas: (1) California's higher education system; (2) Addressing California's skills gap; (3) Expanding college access; (4) Improving college completion; (5) Increasing equity and diversity; (6) Investing in public higher education; and (7) Making college affordable. [This series is funded by The Sutton Family Fund.]