May 14, 2025
Contact: Melissa Villarin
Office: 916-327-5365
Office E-mail: MVillarin@CCCCO.edu
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian today issued the following statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal for 2025-26:
We are grateful that Gov. Newsom remains a steadfast champion of the California Community Colleges, despite the state’s fiscal challenges; recognizing our indispensable role in preparing a future-ready workforce that fuels innovation and reinforces California’s economic vitality. His May Revise budget proposal affirms the Board of Governors’ priorities by fully restoring core funding for our colleges, responding to significant enrollment growth of the system by increasing the growth funding rate, and supporting initiatives that equip Californians with the skills needed to pursue higher-wage careers in an ever-evolving economy.
The proposal also maintains critical support for Credit for Prior Learning, an impactful strategy that enables veterans, apprentices, and California workers to earn college credit for skills developed through work and life experience—accelerating their journey to a degree or credential. In addition, the investment in technology infrastructure will further enhance our ability to reach underemployed adults with personalized guidance, employer-aligned career pathways, and strengthen our efforts to mitigate suspected enrollment and financial aid related cyberattacks.
We look forward to working in close partnership with the administration and Legislature to ensure the final budget reflects these shared priorities with appropriate levels of funding and delivers on the promise of economic opportunity for all Californians.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to improve student success, our communities and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
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