WHEREAS, The median household income in California is $96,000 on average [1], yet a significant portion of students come from families earning less than this amount, with many falling into low-income brackets and the average cost of living in California for a family of four is approximately $130,239 [2], which is higher than what many families can afford, leaving students to struggle with securing basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare;
WHEREAS, Low-income students are disproportionately affected by these financial barriers, often facing challenges in affording tuition, textbooks, and other educational resources, resulting in an increased risk of academic stress and dropout rates; and
WHEREAS, In California, nearly 30% of community college students are undocumented, and approximately 200,000 students rely on federal funding [3] and from this, California Community Colleges have experienced a decline in funding for essential programs such as TRIO and Federal Work-Study; moreover, the Trump Administration proposed cuts and budget reductions to student aid, eliminating the ideas of vital financial aid resources; and
WHEREAS, many low-income students lack access to financial literacy programs and often face difficulty navigating Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act, and scholarship applications [4], which limits them from fully utilizing available support and increases their reliance on student loans and high-interest debt; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges conduct outreach programs to better inform low-income students about available financial aid options, scholarships, and resources to ease the financial burden;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourage California Community Colleges to partner with local organizations and community services to provide affordable housing options, meal-assistance programs, and healthcare services for low-income students;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocatethat low-income students have access to financial literacy programs better to navigate financial aid and budgeting for their education; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for increased funding from federal sources to support resources for low-income students in their pursuit of higher education.
Citations:
[1] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: California
[2] Here's the Living Wage a Family of Four Will Need to Live in California | GOBankingRates
[3] Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans
[4] NASFAA | Difficulty, Lack of Support Cited as Biggest Obstacles for FAFSA Completion Among Low-Income Students, Survey Finds