Proposal for a Bay Area People’s College (BAPC)

Vision

The Bay Area People's College (BAPC) will be a tuition-free, four-year liberal arts and vocational college rooted in the principles of equity, labor dignity, climate justice, and democratic education. Inspired by Berea College in Kentucky, BAPC will provide high-quality education to low-income and working-class students across the Bay Area, with a particular focus on communities historically excluded from higher education due to race, immigration status, and class.

Located in Richmond, California—a city with a proud history of labor organizing and progressive politics—the college will integrate academic rigor with real-world work experience. Students will earn their education by working in college-owned cooperatives and social enterprises, ensuring dignity, purpose, and economic participation throughout their studies.

Why Richmond?

Richmond is the ideal home for BAPC:

• It is the most progressive city in the Bay Area, led by Richmond Progressive Alliance.

  • Richmond has a history of environmental justice struggles, particularly against Chevron.

  • The city is racially and economically diverse.

  • Residents are under-served by traditional higher education institutions.

  • There is a strong base of labor unions, mutual aid groups, and community organizations.

  • Transit via BART and Amtrak makes it regionally accessible.

Curriculum

Key areas of focus include:

  • Labor and Cooperative Economics (Labor history, Union organizing and collective bargaining, Cooperative business development)

  • Climate Justice and Sustainability (Urban agriculture, Green construction and retrofitting, Environmental justice policy)

  • Public Health (Community health, Elder and childcare, Mental health and trauma-informed care)

  • Civics Education (Social movement theory, Political organizing, Abolitionist education and transformative justice)

All students will be required to participate in on-campus work and community projects, with integration between theory and practice.

Work-Study Tuition Model

Tuition at BAPC will be fully subsidized by student labor and philanthropic support. Students will work 10–15 hours per week in college-run enterprises, such as:

  • Cooperative cafe and bakery

• Solar installation and repair services

•. An urban farm and composting initiative

•. A worker-run eldercare and childcare center

• A print and design studio for movement-building materials

Students will gain marketable skills while supporting the college’s operations and mission.

Governance

BAPC will operate under a democratic governance model that includes:

• Representation of students, faculty, and staff in decision-making

•. Community advisory board with local labor, environmental, and education leaders

• Transparent budgeting and participatory planning

•. Union representation for campus workers

Proposed Role for Robert Reich

We propose inviting Professor Robert Reich to serve as an honorary co-founder, board advisor, or public spokesperson for BAPC. His lifelong advocacy for economic justice and worker dignity aligns with BAPC’s mission. His involvement would bring credibility, public visibility, and strategic connections to policymakers and donors.

Funding Strategy

Initial funding goal: $50 million (to support land acquisition, startup, and a modest endowment).

Sources:

•. Targeted campaign to the 37 billionaires in the Bay Area, asking for $1M each

•. Foundation grants (e.g. Ford, Surdna, Kresge, Haymarket)

•. Public support from City of Richmond, regional governments, and progressive funds

•. Ongoing income from college-run businesses

A donor campaign titled "Billionaires for Justice" will publicly challenge ultra-wealthy residents to support equity in education through transformative giving.

Next Steps

  • Finalize core founding group (Richmond leaders, educators, trustees, Berea advisors)

  • Establish fiscal sponsor or 501(c)(3) entity

  • Identify campus site in Richmond (in partnership with city government or land trusts)

  • Launch public campaign for visibility and fundraising

  • Begin curriculum and faculty development

  • Apply for WASC accreditation or seek partnership with existing institutions

  • Set goal to welcome first cohort of 50 students

Conclusion

The Bay Area People’s College aims to create equity in the higher education system. By integrating democratic work and education, BAPC will serve as a national model for a sustainable college system. We call on Richmond leaders, educators, and justice-minded activists and donors to help us make this vision a reality.