WHEREAS, Approximately 82,000 or 4% of the California Community College student population is reported to have a disability, with the total population of students with disabilities nearly increasing by 9% around the 2022-2023 academic year[1];

WHEREAS, California community colleges enroll approximately 2,100,000 students statewide[1], while documented counselor to student ratios range from 1:800 to approximately 1:1,800 [2], depending on district staffing levels and fiscal constraints, resulting in limited appointment access for educational planning, transfer preparation, and long-term student guidance;

WHEREAS, Many California Community College (CCC) campuses and districts mainly focus on increasing the statistics of students who complete their associate's degree and transfer to a 4-year university within a 2-year timeframe [1] and minimize their priority on other student educational goals such as completing certificates, discovering a major, continuing education, or going to college for personal development;

WHEREAS, Under the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I), Merritt College was allocated $1,497,284, with no less than 50% ($748,642) required to be distributed as direct Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, and the college reported disbursing $448,533 to students during the initial phase of the pandemic [1];

WHEREAS, The California College Student Emergency Support Fund demonstrated the effectiveness of $500 emergency micro‑grants in supporting California community college students experiencing housing, food, and technology crises [2];

WHEREAS, Public safety for students is a rising issue at community colleges, [1];

WHEREAS, Having a mobile app will educate students on resources available in an emergency situation including earthquake, shooting, and simply feeling unsafe [2]; and

WHEREAS, Campus police can be easily notified of the situation and the location it takes place, and students discretely contact police if the student feels uncomfortable or needs assistance in a stressful situation [3]; Now, therefore be it

WHEREAS, AB 132 (Committee on Budget, 2021)[1] established the requirement for every California Community College to maintain a Basic Needs Center and Basic Needs Coordinator, supported by $30 million in ongoing funding and $100 million in one-time funding over three years from the 2021-2022 Basic Needs Services Support Allocation [2][9];

WHEREAS, The Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Learning Center is an integral resource for the Santa Cruz County community, offering a dedicated facility and comprehensive programming that supports the mental, physical, and emotional development of its students; [1]

WHEREAS, The California Community College system serves 2.2 million students, yet Cabrillo College remains the only community college in California, out of the 116, to provide a specialized Stroke and Disability Center to this degree; [2]

WHEREAS, Food insecurity among students is a significant issue, with many facing challenges in accessing nutritious meals, which can adversely affect their academic performance and overall well-being;

WHEREAS, Extracurricular activities, including school events and clubs, play a crucial role in student development, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing educational experiences; and

WHEREAS, Access to consistent, nutritious food is critical for California Community College students to maintain the physical health, focus, and energy necessary for academic success, which is directly aligned with the basic health principles established by the World Health Organization [2] and along with the daily supplement of around 2000 calories for the average adult in the U.S. as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [3];

WHEREAS, California community college students face severe and compounding financial pressures due to persistent inflation, rising housing and food costs, and declining job availability, with statewide and national research indicating that nearly half of community college students experience food insecurity, over half experience housing insecurity, and a majority must work while enrolled—often exceeding 30 to 40 hours per week—thereby creating structural conditions in which unpaid student leadership roles are increasingly inaccessible [2][4][7][15][16];