Spring 2024
WHEREAS, The California College Promise Programs funded $46 million in 2018-2019 for qualified students to expand access to community college education, support student’s performance and outcomes, and help cover the costs of child care, transportation, books, or other expenses [1];
WHEREAS, Along other requirements, 111 out of 121 programs (92%) of the California College Promise Programs only accept full-time college students, out of the 121 programs, 52% offer only one year of support and the other 38% offer two years of support for students who are qualified for the California College Promise Program; however, only six programs offer more than two years of support acknowledging the fact that two years isn’t sufficient for most students to complete their studies effectively [2];
WHEREAS, Only 13% of community college students receive an associate degree after two years, and 31% do so within three years, about 48% of students aims to receive an associate degree or certificate, transfer to a four year school, or complete at least 60 transferable units do so within six years [3]; and compared to non-STEM students, STEM students completion rates are lower and often require more time to earn degrees or transfer to a four-year university [4][5]; and
WHEREAS, Two of every three community college students struggle with basic needs insecurity, according to a study of 66,000 students in 88 California Community Colleges performed by the Community College League of California [6], which has led to more than 50% of community college students facing at least one symptom of mental health conditions[7]; 54% of students who dropped out of college stated that they could not balance work and classes while 31% could not afford college [8]; now, therefore, let it be
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community College advocate to make college more affordable to all students by working in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office to extend the California College Promise Programs to three years for all qualified college students.
WHEREAS, Along other requirements, 111 out of 121 programs (92%) of the California College Promise Programs only accept full-time college students, out of the 121 programs, 52% offer only one year of support and the other 38% offer two years of support for students who are qualified for the California College Promise Program; however, only six programs offer more than two years of support acknowledging the fact that two years isn’t sufficient for most students to complete their studies effectively [2];
WHEREAS, Only 13% of community college students receive an associate degree after two years, and 31% do so within three years, about 48% of students aims to receive an associate degree or certificate, transfer to a four year school, or complete at least 60 transferable units do so within six years [3]; and compared to non-STEM students, STEM students completion rates are lower and often require more time to earn degrees or transfer to a four-year university [4][5]; and
WHEREAS, Two of every three community college students struggle with basic needs insecurity, according to a study of 66,000 students in 88 California Community Colleges performed by the Community College League of California [6], which has led to more than 50% of community college students facing at least one symptom of mental health conditions[7]; 54% of students who dropped out of college stated that they could not balance work and classes while 31% could not afford college [8]; now, therefore, let it be
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community College advocate to make college more affordable to all students by working in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office to extend the California College Promise Programs to three years for all qualified college students.