Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $1.3 billion increase for higher education in his third Budget proposal with vital student investments spanning early childhood education to college, an intentional focus on closing racial equity gaps, strengthening infrastructure proven to increase college access and completion, and support for vulnerable student populations most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Offering struggling students a lifeline during COVID-19, the Governor’s proposed budget provides $190.6 million in emergency assistance for California’s community colleges to bolster student retention, provide emergency financial assistance for low-income students, and other key supports. It also includes $30 million for the California State University (CSU) and $15 million for the University of California (UC) for emergency grants for full-time, low-income students.
The proposed budget makes a momentous investment in racial equity in higher education, including $35 million for cultural competency professional development at the UC, CSU, and California’s community colleges and $600,000 in one-time funding to support implementation of systemwide anti-racism initiatives at the CSU. Additionally, it calls upon the UC to take significant action to reduce equity gaps with an ambitious goal of closing equity gaps by 2025.
“Our state’s future well-being relies upon the courageous actions and bold investments we make in higher education today. The impact of a global health pandemic coupled with the racial reckoning and economic challenges facing our country make it necessary for our state leaders to act on their commitments to racial equity by reinvesting in students and swiftly moving to eliminate racial disparities in higher education,” said Michele Siqueiros, Campaign for College Opportunity president. “We applaud Governor Newsom for expanding college opportunity and tackling anti-racism efforts head-on.”
“From ensuring all California high school students have access to federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application, dedicating $15 million in funding for the continued development and implementation of a cradle-to-career data system, and urging the creation of a new, dual admissions pathway to enable first-time freshman applicants be considered for guaranteed admission to the UC upon completion of an Associate Degree for Transfer or its UC equivalent, Governor Newsom is demonstrating a clear understanding that the success of our students at our California community colleges and public universities is one of the most critical factors for strengthening California’s future,” said Siqueiros.
To read the official budget documents produced by the Department of Finance, click here.
Key Higher Education Highlights
Supporting Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
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$295 million one-time emergency financial assistance for full-time, low-income students at the CCC, CSU, and UC ($250 million for the CCC, $30 million for the CSU, and $15 million for the UC).
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$40.6 million to support technological access to higher education and quality distance learning for CCC students.
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$20 million to support CCC student retention rates, including the re-engagement of formerly enrolled students who may have withdrawn from college and current and prospective students who are hesitant to remain enrolled due to COVID-19.
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$58.2 million ongoing funding to restore Cal Grant A eligibility for students impacted by a change in their living status due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Increasing Affordable Access to a College Degree:
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Increasing FAFSA and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) Completion: Requires local educational agencies to confirm that all high school seniors complete a FAFSA/CADAA beginning in the 2021-22 academic year.
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Basic Needs: $100 million one-time funding to address food and housing insecurity among CCC students and $30 million in ongoing funding to increase technology access, high-speed internet access, and student mental health services at the CSU and UC ($15 million to each system).
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Competitive Cal Grant Increase: Additional 9,000 Cal Grant Competitive awards.
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$15 million one-time funding to develop and implement zero-textbook-cost programs at CCCs.
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CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 and Basic Needs: $15 million increase ongoing funding to sustain and expand support for Basic Needs Initiative component of Graduation Initiative 2025.
Tuition Maintenance:
- Maintains resident undergraduate tuition and fees at current levels for 2021-22 academic year at the CSU and UC.
Cradle-to-Career Data System:
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$15 million to support continued development of data system infrastructure.
Higher Education Coordination:
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$250 million one-time funding to support forthcoming proposals that are focused on workforce development, segment alignment, and improving linkages between higher education institutions and employers.
Racial Equity:
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Culturally competent professional development for UC, CSU and community college faculty: (UC $5 million one-time increase; CSU $10 million one-time increase; CCC $20 million one-time)
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CSU: An increase of $600,000 one-time funding to support implementation of systemwide anti-racism initiatives
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Closing Equity Gaps at UC and CSU: Calls on UC to take significant action to reduce equity gaps with the goal of closing gaps by 2025.
