San Rafael, CA [February 18, 2026] - Dr. Darla Cooper, Executive Director of The Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges (The RP Group), has been named a recipient of the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. This prestigious honor is granted annually to a small cohort of leaders whose innovative solutions to California’s most critical challenges improve lives and create a more vibrant, inclusive state.
The award includes $350,000 in organizational support for The RP Group, which will bolster the nonprofit’s mission to dismantle systemic barriers and expand educational access for historically underserved students across the state’s 116 community colleges.
Dr. Cooper is being recognized for her transformative leadership in shaping a more equitable future for California’s community college students and strengthening the system as a whole. Her work—ranging from streamlining transfer pathways to reimagining developmental education—has directly influenced policies that impact more than two million students in the California Community Colleges system.
“Equity in higher education is about ensuring every student, regardless of background, has the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Dr. Cooper. “I am deeply honored by this recognition, which shines a light on the students we serve. This award will allow The RP Group to scale our research and advocacy, ensuring that a student’s potential, not their zip code or background, determines their future.”
Under Dr. Cooper’s guidance, The RP Group has become a vital engine of change, providing the data and professional development educators and policymakers need to build more equitable and inclusive campus environments. By focusing on uplifting student voices, her work has moved the needle on community college retention and completion rates for students across California.
Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Darla Cooper’s leadership, vision, and impact.
About The RP Group
The RP Group is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening California community colleges’ ability to gather, analyze, and act on information to support student success. Through evidence-based research and professional development, The RP Group helps institutions create equitable pathways for all learners. Learn more at www.rpgroup.org.
About The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards
The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards recognize Californians who are advancing innovative solutions to the state’s most significant challenges. Each year, the Foundation provides recipients with $350,000 to support their work and helps share their proven approaches with policymakers and peers.
Media Contact: Dr. Katie Brohawn at media@rpgroup.org