Ashley A. Smith
Ashley A. Smith covers higher education and other student success reforms for EdSource. She joined the publication in July 2019 after covering community colleges, for-profit schools and non-traditional students for Inside Higher Ed, in Washington D.C. Her work has appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press, the Marshfield News-Herald, The Flint Journal, USA Today and the Detroit Free Press. Ashley grew up in Detroit and is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University.
All articles by Ashley A. Smith
California State University to require Covid-19 vaccines for fall 2021 term
Decision to require vaccinations means system won't wait for FDA vaccine approval as the highly infectious delta variant fuels increase in coronavirus cases.
Ashley A. Smith
July 27, 2021
California Senate puts off discussion on whether to kill Calbright College
Calbright's board of trustees learns that the State Senate Education Committee will forgo a hearing on a bill to eliminate the college.
Ashley A. Smith
July 12, 2021
California community college transfer students face roadblocks to bachelor’s degrees
Students pursuing transfer are finding it too difficult to transition from community college to university and earn their degrees within four years
Ashley A. Smith
June 23, 2021
The pandemic cost transfer students vital time on campus: Some want it back
The pandemic cost transfer students internships, research opportunities, chances to work closely with renowned faculty, and even travel abroad.
Ashley A. Smith
June 23, 2021
Civil grand jury blasts Bay Area community college district board
Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report finds ineffective leadership by Peralta Community College District's board of trustees.
Ashley A. Smith
June 22, 2021
Former Gov. Jerry Brown defends Calbright College
Former California Gov. Jerry Brown defends the public online community college he envisioned would take on the for-profit sector.
Ashley A. Smith
May 27, 2021
Gov. Newsom proposes to make major investments in higher education
The May revision includes $48.7 billion for the state's higher education systems, including restoring funding cuts made last year.
Ashley A. Smith And Larry Gordon
May 14, 2021
California state audit criticizes Calbright College for mismanagement
Calbright College, California's online-only community college, faces a tough fight in the Legislature following a state audit that found mismanagement but urged that Calbright get until the end of 2022 to serve adult learners.
Ashley A. Smith
May 12, 2021
Calbright College once again faces opposition that seeks to shut it down
Calbright College, California's online-only community college, fights for survival amid opposition from some lawmakers and a pending audit.
Ashley A. Smith
May 7, 2021
California looks for aid from Biden's plans for tuition-free community college and higher Pell Grants
As one of the leaders in offering free community college tuition to qualified low-income students, California hopes to get federal resources from President Biden's proposals to make community college free and increase the federal Pell Grant to students.
Ashley A. Smith
April 28, 2021
Inside a Cal State Northridge program that helps women and Latinos in STEM
Mentorships, tutoring and stipends key to program's success
Ashley A. Smith
April 21, 2021
In an unusual admissions year, California’s selective universities more closely evaluate students
With the SAT/ACT not part of admission decisions, universities are looking at other criteria in a most unusual year of record applications to selective schools.
Ashley A. Smith And Larry Gordon
April 5, 2021
Additional math support has helped Cal State freshmen
Education leaders agree increasing state high school math standards is needed, but debate altering CSU admissions to do so.
Ashley A. Smith
March 25, 2021
How the pandemic changed higher education in California
Distance learning and focusing on mental health -- the changes higher education made during the pandemic are here to stay.