May 23, 2019
Christina Jimenez
T 916.322.4004
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley issued the following statement on the Senate approval of Senate Bill 291.
“The state Senate is to be commended for approving SB 291 by Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino), which provides for need-based financial aid for community college students, correcting inequities in the current Cal Grant system. Sen. Leyva is a true champion of community college students and equity in our state. The true cost of college for California community college students is often higher than for UC or CSU students because fewer than 10 percent of Cal Grant funds make their way to community college students. My office will work diligently with the state Assembly to integrate this bill with AB 1314 (D-Medina and D-McCarty) to achieve a comprehensive financial aid reform that targets new resources to students with the greatest unmet need. Our students and our state deserve no less.”
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 115 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success , a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
