Student Spotlight: Matthew Bagdasar '26

Matthew Bagdasar ’26 is passionate about education—and about breaking down barriers to access it. Before arriving at California Western School of Law (CWSL), he had already founded the California Transfer Support Network to help community college students reach four-year universities. While on campus, he’s honed his skills, found mentorship, and built the community that will allow him to continue opening doors for others.

He was recently named a Nonprofit Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal and was selected to participate in the California Community Colleges AI Changemakers Initiative. In this Q&A, Matthew reflects on his journey, his commitment to access and equity, and how CWSL has played a pivotal role in preparing him for what’s ahead.

  Where are you from originally?

I was born and raised in San Diego, more specifically, East County. I’m the youngest of four siblings and have a twin sister. My family dynamic is rather atypical. I’m the son of a Palestinian Armenian father and a blonde-haired, blue-eyed San Diegan mother.

   You’ve built your career at the intersection of education and public service. Where did that commitment begin for you?

It started early. My parents constantly involved us in service, whether it was phone banking for St. Jude’s or serving meals through our church. That exposure made giving back part of my identity. The education part grew organically. I became the person others came to when they couldn’t figure out what classes to take or how to transfer. I realized I had built knowledge that could unlock doors for people.

   You’ve worked in the State Senate, on a political campaign, and now in nonprofit and advising roles. What have those experiences taught you about policy and public service?

They taught me that systems can be slow-moving and fractured, and that meaningful change often starts on the ground. Government work helped me understand policy from a top-down view. My nonprofit and advising roles showed me how policy actually plays out in the day-to-day lives of students. Both perspectives matter, but I believe change is most effective when it starts with direct service.

   Why did you choose CWSL? 

As a lifelong San Diegan, I’ve driven past the “California Western School of Law – Next Exit” sign more times than I can count. It always stood out to me. I’ve spent years downtown—our family has a small business there, and I grew up playing table tennis with my dad and brothers at the Balboa Park Activity Center. When I decided to go to law school, I knew I wanted to stay in San Diego and stay connected to the community that shaped me. CWSL made that possible.

   How has your time at CWSL influenced your approach to public service?

I’ve been genuinely inspired by how often the school brings in public servants who speak candidly about their work and the challenges that come with it. Those discussions have helped me see how much the public shapes what public service actually looks like. CWSL has deepened my understanding of service not just as advocacy, but as something grounded in accountability and dialogue.

   Are there particular courses, clinics, or experiences at CWSL that have shaped the way you think about equity and access?

My Bankruptcy course with Professor Diane Gibson flipped my entire perspective. Like a lot of people, I used to think bankruptcy was just a loophole for people who lived beyond their means and left lenders holding the bag. And while there are people who abuse the system, that’s not the norm. Most cases come from real, unexpected hardship, medical bills, job loss, family emergencies. The course showed me how bankruptcy law provides structure and relief in moments when people have nowhere else to turn. It’s not about helping people escape responsibility. It’s about giving them a second chance when life hits hard.

   How has Professor James Cooper’s teaching and mentorship helped shape your path and reinforce your values?

His impact is hard to overstate. From the first day of class, Professor Cooper made it clear that his goal was not just to teach about AI and the law. It was to prepare us to take this knowledge into the real world. He told us it would be our job to show senior partners and agency heads what is possible with these tools. That mindset shift—from student to contributor—has stayed with me.

   What led you to create the California Transfer Support Network? What impact are you most proud of so far? What’s the trajectory for the network over the next few years?

I created the California Transfer Support Network (CTSN) because I saw a problem. Every year, thousands of community college students begin with the goal of transferring to a four-year university, but only one in five successfully do so within four years. Many get stuck without a plan or guidance. What I’m most proud of is helping students who were initially rejected from their dream schools eventually transfer and graduate from those same schools, often with little or no debt. Over the next few years, I plan to expand CTSN’s capacity, streamline our intake process, and offer workshops that reach students earlier in their journey.

   You were recently selected for the California Community Colleges AI Changemakers Initiative. What drew you to this work?

Generative AI is already reshaping how we live, learn, and make decisions. Community colleges are in a position to either benefit from this shift or get left behind. I joined the Changemakers Initiative to ensure these tools are used responsibly, equitably, and transparently—especially for students who need support the most.

   How do you see AI shaping the future of education, especially for the kinds of students you serve through your nonprofit?

AI can lower the barrier to entry. I’ve seen students use it to brainstorm personal statement ideas, polish resumes, and work through academic concepts that were holding them back. It is not about replacing effort. It is about helping students build enough confidence to start. When used well, AI supports clarity, creativity, and progress.

   What kinds of challenges are students facing today that AI or policy innovation could help solve? How do you imagine putting your legal education to work in this arena?

Course articulation and credit transfer across California’s higher education systems remain confusing. AI could help by organizing massive datasets and producing clear, consistent guidance. At the same time, this raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and privacy. That is where my legal education comes in. My job will be to help ensure these systems remain fair, efficient, and open to scrutiny.

   You’ve written publicly about education reform and community college pathways. What voices or experiences do you feel are still missing from those conversations?

Ironically, California built the right infrastructure, but the UC, CSU, and community college systems fail to align their vision and execution. What is missing are the voices of students stuck in that gap, students trying to make sense of inconsistent requirements and unclear transfer pathways. They need to be heard directly.

   You were recently recognized as a Nonprofit Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal. What does leadership mean to you at this stage in your career?

At this stage, leadership means staying curious, being humble, and listening to people who have already done the work. I am fortunate to have mentors in education and public service who have taken the time to guide me. I try to pay that forward whenever I can.

   What are you most looking forward to in the rest of your CWSL career? Where are you hoping to end up post-bar?

I want to finish strong, pass the bar, and stay in San Diego. I am aiming for a role where I can be in court regularly and build trial skills early. Beyond that, I am open to what comes next.