The Center for Poverty Research is bringing together Darrell Steinberg, president pro tem of the state Senate, and Berkeley and Michigan professors for a panel discussion Jan. 20 on "Inequality, Educational Access and the Future of the University."

The program, free and open to the public, is scheduled from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in 1002 Giedt Hall. Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi is scheduled to make introductory remarks.

The panelists: Steinberg, D-Sacramento, a graduate of the UC Davis School of Law; Christopher Edley Jr., dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law; and Susan Dynarski, professor of public policy and education, University of Michigan.

They are due to discuss how higher education can positively impact individual economic outcomes, and what strategies the university can employ to ensure all students can access higher education.

The program is co-sponsored by the Division of Social Sciences and the School of Education.

UC Davis established the Center for Poverty Research last year with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The center supports a wide range of activities designed to further the understanding of poverty in the United States as well as the impact of anti-poverty public policy programs.

The center’s co-directors: Ann Stevens, professor and chair of the Department of Economics, and Marianne Page, also a professor of economics.