July 29, 2021

Professionalism to Exceptionalism: Legislative and Policy Wins for Students over the Past Year

byPresident Gerardo Chavez

SACRAMENTO -- The hiring of seasoned staff and revenue generated from AB 1504 (Medina, 2019) has created tremendous value for the 2.1 million students that the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC’s) represents. Over the past year, these investments in the SSCCC’s capacity and capabilities have enabled us to advocate, lobby, and relentlessly represent community college students. We celebrate the following accomplishments:

  • $30 million ongoing funding to establish basic needs centers and hire basic needs coordinators at every community college
  • $30 million ongoing funding to provide critical mental health services to address the isolation and depression wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • $270 million in new funding for financial aid
  • $10 million ongoing funding towards the Rising Scholars Network and prison education programs
  • $115 million one-time for grants to community college districts for developing zero-textbook-cost degrees and certificates
  • Assembly Bill 337 authored by Assemblymember Medina signed by Governor Newsom which allows the first year student member on the Board of Governors to vote
  • Ethnic studies requirement approved by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges
     

“The SSCCC has made leaps and bounds over the past few years in terms of professionalism and effectiveness. As I round the corner of my first month of my presidency, it is clear that the sky's the limit. We are excited to celebrate these victories now, but have already hit the ground running this year. The Board of Directors and I are ready to meet the challenges this year presents and fight hard for the 2.1 million community college students in California.” President Gerardo Chavez

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year.  The Student Senate for California Community College works to promote and safeguard access for current and future students to California public higher education in accordance with the Master Plan for Higher Education through system participatory governance, legislative and policy advocacy, and regional support and development and is the official voice of California community college students statewide.  

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