SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) celebrates several key victories in the 2025–26 California State Budget that advance the basic needs, financial stability, and educational equity of the state’s 2.1 million community college students. “These investments are a direct reflection of what students have consistently asked for through the SSCCC delegate-adopted resolutions and years of sustained advocacy,” said SSCCC President Ivan Hernandez. “This budget doesn’t just fund programs, it reaffirms the state’s commitment to equity, access, and success for all students.” These hard-won achievements reflect the power of unified student advocacy, coalition building, and legislative engagement across the state.
This year’s budget includes:
- One-time allocation of $20 million in flexible emergency financial aid, supporting students in mixed-status families and those facing unexpected hardships.
- One-time allocation of $15 million to bolster Dream Resource Liaisons, helping undocumented and mixed family status students navigate resources and succeed academically.
- Full preservation of Cal-Grant funding, including support for increased caseloads, ensuring continued access to financial aid for low-income students.
- Restoration of $52 million for CalFresh student support programs, sustaining the food pantries and services operated by Basic Needs Centers across college campuses.
- One-time allocation of $15 million and $5 million ongoing to expand Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities, recognizing the knowledge students bring from work, military, or life experience toward their academic goals.
- The SSCCC played a central role in securing these wins by submitting letters of support, participating in key coalition efforts, and delivering public comments at every stage of the budget process. These efforts were grounded in the resolutions developed and passed by student delegates from across California, ensuring that advocacy was driven by student voice and real campus experiences.
The SSCCC extends its appreciation to Governor Newsom and the California Legislature for their efforts in championing the needs of community college students. These investments will make a meaningful difference in the lives of students facing financial insecurity, supporting their ability to stay enrolled, meet basic needs, and complete their educational goals.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving over 2 million students per year. The Student Senate for California Community Colleges mission is to enrich the collegiate experience for all California community college students by pursuing policies that will improve student access and success while engaging and empowering local student leaders and honoring equity and diversity.
###