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News & Commentary
Emergency support for college students is a matter of financial equity, and it’s everyone’s business
Emergency fund assistance for students in our state budget, paired with recently approved federal relief, recognizes an important lesson from the pandemic: Flexible cash assistance works. California offers relatively generous financial aid programs, but their application is limited, and too many of our students face serious financial strains outside of tuition that threaten to Read more >
News & Commentary
Clarity in Crisis: An Equitable Recovery is the Only Recovery
The American Rescue Plan Act signed in March directs $151 billion to California. These funds will play a critical role in our state’s recovery from the pandemic and recession—and in ensuring future prosperity. But this recovery will only be successful now and sustainable long-term if state leaders are guided by equity, both in allocating funds Read more >
News & Commentary
Speaking Out, Dismantling Racism: In Solidarity with AAPI Communities
The shootings that took place in Atlanta this week were another horrific, painful reminder of the threat that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities face. This was not an isolated event. In the past year, racist attacks on Asian Americans have surged in California and across the nation. Recently in California, a series of Read more >
News & Commentary, Publications & Research
Report: Expanding CSU Enrollment Capacity Critical to State’s Economic Recovery
In awarding about half of the state’s baccalaureate degrees each year, the California State University system is vital for fueling economic growth and social mobility. But capacity constraints are forcing CSU to turn away thousands of students and could threaten California’s ability to recover quickly from the pandemic-induced economic collapse. Amid the uncertainty, CSU is Read more >
News & Commentary, Publications & Research
New Report: Expanding CSU Capacity Critical to State’s Economic Recovery
In awarding about half of the state’s baccalaureate degrees each year, the California State University system is vital for fueling economic growth and social mobility. But capacity constraints are forcing CSU to turn away thousands of students and could threaten California’s ability to recover quickly from the pandemic-induced economic collapse. Amid the uncertainty, CSU is Read more >
News & Commentary, Publications & Research
Statewide Survey: 80% of CA Students Forced to Change College Plans
Increased financial hardships and family responsibilities and the shift to online classes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are creating anxiety and uncertainty for California college students as they try to make education plans for this fall. More than 80% of current students have either changed some aspect of their plans or are unsure what they Read more >
News & Commentary, Publications & Research
Pandemic’s Toll: New Survey Shows 3 in 4 CA College Students Worry About Staying on Track to Graduate
Academic, emotional, and financial hardships caused by the coronavirus crisis are threatening the ability of most California college students to complete their degrees, particularly if they are from low-income families and communities of color. Findings from a new survey conducted by The Education Trust—West showed that 75% of California students say that they are somewhat Read more >
News & Commentary, Spotlights
Student Journalists’ Work and Voices Vital During Pandemic
Understanding challenges and opportunities in higher education requires understanding “the student experience”—which, in California, encompasses hundreds of campuses, multiple pathways toward a degree, and many diverse communities. Recognizing this and seeking to improve their coverage of higher education, news outlets CalMatters and EdSource launched programs in January to tap into the expertise of student journalists. Read more >
News & Commentary
Responding to Student Needs During COVID-19: Thoughts from Foundation President & CEO Monica Lozano
Dear colleagues and friends, The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it monumental challenges for California’s students. When the initial impacts began to hit campuses in March, we at College Futures Foundation knew we had to respond. In early April, we launched the California College Student Emergency Support Fund to help address basic needs for some Read more >